Can Ibs Cause Lower Back Pain

Other Features Suggesting That The Pain Is Due To Your Ibs:

According to Rome IV criteria, the IBS Pain is:

• Associated with meals: usually, the IBS pain increases after meals. Especially known food triggers like FODMAPs and gas-producing foods.

• Associated with defecation: some IBS patients report relieve of IBS pain with defecation. Others report worsening of IBS pain during or after defecation.

• IBS pain frequency: the IBS pain is chronic, your first time experiencing IBS pain should be 6 months ago or more. The IBS pain occurs at least once per week.

• IBS pain character: IBS is described as cramps or colics. Usually associated with bloating and gas distension.

• Associated with changes in stool character: Yellow stool , Mucus in stool, and Hard stools .

A Pain That Is Associated With:

• Fever: fever usually suggests an infection or inflammation inside your gut.
• Vomiting:vomiting is not a feature of IBS. But IBS is commonly associated with GERD Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Diseases which may be the cause. Other common causes of vomiting are Gastritis, gastric ulcers, early pregnancy, cholecystitis, chemotherapy, and others.

• Blood in stool: If you have blood in stool with IBS you have to immediately consult your doctor. The bloody stool may indicate a variety of conditions ranging from simple piles to dangerous conditions like colon cancer. The topic is thoroughly discussed here.

• Other RED-FLAG SIGNS that require consultation of your doctor: in addition to the above
• The onset of IBS pain after the age of 50.
• Progressive weight loss.
• Presence of iron deficiency anemia.
• If you have a family history of colon cancer or IBS .

How Can My Doctor Help

If your back pain is the result of IBS, your doctor may have a few options that would offer temporary relief of the symptoms. These include anti-spasmodics and anti-diarrhoeal tablets.

It may be more beneficial to try and determine the cause of the IBS and treat this accordingly in order to find a more long-term solution. Please refer to our causes and treatments pages.

Also Check: Klonopin For Ibs

Should Everyone With Low Back Pain Try A Gluten

No, there are far more common reasons for experiencing low back pain than eating gluten. However, I hope that evaluating patients whose back pain has no clear cause, celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity is considered. I have seen back pain as the only outward symptom of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. The diagnosis of celiac disease is not always straightforward. Celiac disease is related to over 300 symptoms, and the symptoms of gluten sensitivity also vary widely. I encourage you to consider this information if a reason for your back pain can not be found or if the treatment for it isnt relieving your pain. Maybe this dietary change can help!

Ibs Pain At The Lower Left Abdomen :

Some studies refer to the left iliac region as the most common IBS pain location. And if your IBS pain occurs at this location it usually relieved by defecation.

Left lower abdomen IBS pain is more common with IBS-Constipation .

But IBS pain at the left lower abdomen can be confused with a variety of other conditions like:

• Chronic constipation: some people have chronic constipation. And it is different from IBS-C Chronic constipation describes patients with long term constipation without abdominal pain or pain that is not fulfilling the criteria of IBS pain.
• IBD.
• Right ovarian or Right fallopian tube problems .
• Inguinal Hernia.

You May Like: Why Do I Get Diarrhea After Eating Salad

Unexpected Signs Of Ibs All Women Should Look Out For

Most of us have heard the phrase “IBS” before, but many people don’t know exactly what it means. Because the term is so vague, many people don’t even realize they have the condition, but it’s important to be aware of some of the more unexpected signs of Irritable Bowel Syndrome , especially if you have stomach issues and are not sure why. IBS is a chronic and common condition of the gastrointestinal tract, and it typically involves abdominal pain and abnormal bowel habits. But symptoms can vary greatly in people and may even go unrecognized.

“Many people who suffer from symptoms may simply assume they have a sensitive stomach without realizing they might have IBS,”Dr. Andrea Sunae Shin, gastroenterologist at IU Health, tells Bustle. “IBS symptoms can be a difficult or uncomfortable topic for individuals to discuss with their physicians or healthcare providers, thus many may not realize they have IBS or symptoms of IBS.”

Although it is not a life-threatening condition, IBS can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, making it important to spot. Typically, symptoms include pain with bowel movements, diarrhea, and constipation. But some symptoms are less obvious. Here are seven unexpected signs of IBS all women should look out for, according to experts.

Ibs Pain In The Lower Abdomen :

Also, it is a common IBS pain location, but it may be confused with a variety of other conditions:

• Cystitis: an infection of the urinary bladder usually associated with the change color of urine. Painful urination , and you will need to pee very frequently but only small amounts of urine. Cystitis is more common in females.

• Prostatitis: This occurs only in males, especially those who are older than the age of 50. May be associated with fever, abnormal urinary secretions and difficult passage of urine.

• IBD.

• Pelvic/Menstrual pain : a common form of pain that is misdiagnosed as IBS. pain from the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries may resemble IBS. the pain is exclusively at the lower abdomen and lower back. It has little relation to meals and defecation.

• Inguinal Hernia.

You May Like: Align Probiotics Supplements

Treatment For Ibs Induced Lower Back Pain

Since there is no proper prescribed treatment for irritable bowel syndrome or the lower back pain arising from irritable bowel syndrome , you have to consult a gastroenterologist to help you in this situation. The treatment for irritable bowel syndrome or IBS induced lower back pain usually comprises of medicines and complementary therapies. Constipation, bloating and gas can be released and the patient can be relieved by taking certain medicines which contain probiotics. You also find probiotics in the form of powder, tablets and in yogurt. Before you change your diet always consult your doctor, since certain products may harm you too while you are on medications.

To relieve yourself from IBS induced lower back pain you may also try complementary therapies like:

• Deep breathing, breathing through abdomen, progressive relaxation of the muscles, visualization exercises and other relaxation techniques to improve your mood and reduce stress can go a long way in treating IBS induced lower back pain.
• To reduce physical and mental stress and change your negative mood to positive, try cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Acupuncture to relax your muscles and release the tension.
• To relax the muscles and release the stress and strain, try meditation, go for massages and practice hypnotherapy.
• Exercised like yoga and Tai Chi may help decrease lower back pain caused due to IBS or irritable bowel syndrome.

How Is Ibs Diagnosed

If youve been having uncomfortable GI symptoms, see your healthcare provider. The first step in diagnosing IBS is a medical history and a physical exam. Your provider will ask you about your symptoms:

• Do you have pain related to bowel movements?
• Do you notice a change in how often you have a bowel movement?
• Has there been a change in how your poop looks?
• How often do you have symptoms?
• When did your symptoms start?
• What medicines do you take?
• Have you been sick or had a stressful event in your life recently?

Depending on your symptoms, you may need other tests to confirm a diagnosis. Blood tests, stool samples and X-rays can help rule out other diseases that mimic IBS.

Don’t Miss: Best Align Probiotic

Ibs Headaches And Migraines

You may complain of headache with your IBS. as headaches are more common in IBS patients than the general population.

Some reports suggest headache is more common with patients with IBS-constipations.

Also, Migraine is related to irritable bowel syndrome. Actually, one of the manifestations of the aura of migraine is abdominal pain.

This means that migraine may be the cause of IBS abdominal pain.

How It Affects Your Life

Itâs uncomfortable, and it can make you feel anxious about being able to get to a bathroom on time, or nervous about having symptoms strike at a bad time, like when youâre commuting, at work, or in any situation where itâs hard to leave. You may find that it helps to map out bathrooms before going anyplace new. In severe cases, people feel hesitant to eat out, see a movie, or socialize.

Recommended Reading: Pronounce Microbiome

Ibs Treatments And Living With Ibs

Treatment for IBS differs from person to person, but generally focuses on relieving symptoms and improving overall quality of life. There are numerous therapies available. None will work for everybody with IBS, and frequently the best approach is a mix of strategies.

For those with back pain, theres good news: Treating your IBS may also help to ease back pain without specifically targeting your back. You wont need surgery for IBS-related back pain, and you can likely avoid long-term painkiller use by treating the other symptoms of IBS. Speak with a healthcare provider to find the right combination for you.

Yoga’s physical and mental benefits make it an effective complementary treatment for both IBS and back pain

Common treatments include:

• Dietary changes. There is no specific diet for IBS. Your doctor may recommend changing your fiber intake or keeping a food diary to help pinpoint items that trigger your symptoms. They may also suggest limiting citrus, carbonated drinks and high-FODMAP foods, or foods that contain a carbohydrate linked to gastrointestinal troubles. These include wheat, dairy and legumes .

• Therapy. Some IBS patients can benefit by speaking with a mental health professional. Studies have found that cognitive behavioral therapy, during which you learn how to recognize and change your response to stress, may be especially valuable for dealing with either IBS or back pain.

What Is Ibs Pain

IBS is a painful condition for many people. In fact, pain is the number one reason people see a doctor for IBS.

While IBS pain can be felt in multiple places around the body, it is most commonly experienced in the lower abdomen .

IBS pain can occur after eating and may be relieved or worsen after a bowel movement. It can range from mild discomfort to a stabbing pain that can be so intense it is sometimes mistaken for appendicitis or heart attack pain.

Pain is a key symptom in assessing whether someone has IBS. The current medical guidelines, also known as the Rome IV criteria, required that for an IBS diagnosis, a person needs to experience: âââ

âRecurrent abdominal pain, on average, at least one day/week the last three months, associated with two or more of the following criteria:

• Related to defecation
• Associated with a change in frequency of stool.
• Associated with a change in form of stool.â

IBS pain that lasts for more than six months is known as chronic pain. Chronic pain with IBS may mean that you feel pain or discomfort consistently or that you are experiencing frequently recurring pain often over an extended period of time.

Although abdominal pain is the most common type of IBS pain, research now indicates that people with IBS are more likely to experience other kinds of pain, including headache, back pain, and muscle ache.â

You May Like: What Happens If You Take Linzess After Eating

Celiac Disease And Back Pain

There is scant information in the medical literature on the relationship between low back pain and celiac disease, but what is available is worthy of mention. In a 2010 study evaluating back pain and sacroiliitis , 70% of adult celiac patients were found to have changes or involvement of the sacroiliac joints. These people were on a gluten-free diet and had no gastrointestinal symptoms, yet these changes were still seen.

A few other case reports on celiac patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis had back pain as their initial presenting symptom of celiac disease. Beyond that, there is very little information to say what the incidence of low back pain is in celiac disease before or after diagnosis. Anecdotally, I see low back pain as a manifestation of celiac disease, and it commonly resolves after initiation of a gluten-free diet. It also frequently recurs if gluten is ingested.

Finding Back Pain Relief

The best way to tackle back and side pain will depend on what is causing it.

Keep track of your symptoms in a diary and see if they correlate to constipation, bloating, or gas pain. If so, these IBS symptoms are the ones you need to address.

If you think a backache is coming from gas pain specifically, simethicone is the most common anti-gas medicine, and it works by breaking up the bubbles of gas making them easier to pass. You can find it under the brand name Gas-X, with an extra strength version available for those terrible days.

You can also buy Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief which contains simethicone as well as the usual loperamide. Peppermint oil capsules and anti-spasmodic medications such as Librax may be helpful to calm gut spasms.

Physical Activity

It may seem counter-intuitive but exercise, or at least gentle movement, is recommended for most back aches as people who rest too much take longer to recover from back problems.

You can follow a simple routine of stretches and exercise for your back to increase your muscle strength and flexibility. Losing weight will help to decrease the strain placed on your spine and walking, pilates and yoga are also recommended.

Yoga may be the first thing to try as many people recommend it for both back pain and IBS: the gentle stretches can relieve tired and tense muscles and strengthen your abdominal area, the breathing exercises can calm frazzled nerves, and the various poses can help to release trapped gas.

Painkillers

Recommended Reading: Align Probiotic Women’s Health

What Does Ibs Back Pain Feel Like

In IBS, often the common symptoms such as bloating, or pain can be felt in a direct or localised way. This means with these types of symptoms of pains, it can be clear that theyre originating from the digestive system.

With IBS back pain, this can be often due to what is known as referred pain. How pain in one part of the body can lead to pain in another. For example, the is commonly seen in those with heart issues feeling a pain in their jaw.

In digestive issues such as IBS, this may be due to excess gas being produced and pushing on organs or nerves, resulting in symptoms of pain and discomfort.

What Are The Causes

Doctors don’t know yet. One theory is that the signals between the brain and intestines get disrupted. This miscommunication may trigger contractions in the intestinal muscles that result in cramping, pain, and changes in the speed of digestion. Or it may be that the intestinal nerves are extra-sensitive to certain triggers, such as some foods or stress.

Read Also: Prilosec Lower Back Pain

Southern Cross Medical Library

The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. For more articles go to the Medical Library index page.

Ibs Pain Under The Ribs

Another common IBS pain location. IBS is commonly associated with GERD and Functional Dyspepsia.

The IBS pain has its specific criteria that we have just mentioned above. But the Pain from GERD and Dyspepsia is usually constant, progressively increases after meals, not related to defecation, and may become associated with vomiting & heartburn.

Other Conditions associated with mid-abdomen under the ribs :

• Heartburn/Indigestion.

• Hiatus hernia: a defect in your diaphragm through which your stomach rolls up into the chest cavity. This causes pain, heartburn, recurrent vomiting, or regurgitation of food.

• Gastric or duodenal ulcer.

• Hepatitis.

• Cholecystitis: It may present with pain in the epigastric area. But more commonly to the right below the ribs. the biliary colic lasts longer. it is more sever, associated with sever nausea and may vomiting. the pain may be referred to the back or the right shoulder.

Recommended Reading: What Can U Take For Diarrhea While Pregnant

Relieving Stomach And Back Pain

Understanding the link between your gastric issues and back pain is the first step to relief. If you think your lower back pain may be due to IBS or excess gas rather than an injury or spinal issue, seek remedies or treatments that target both symptoms back pain and stomach cramps simultaneously.

“To relieve the lower back stress,” says Shanta Retelny, “you can stretch your back muscles during the day by getting up and moving more, getting a standing desk or eliminating certain foods that are irritating your bowel.”

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also offers a variety of solutions for both IBS pain and lower back pain. Promising approaches for IBS relief include hypnotherapy, herbal medicine, peppermint oil, probiotics and acupuncture, while exercise, spinal manipulation, acupuncture, massage and yoga are recommended as effective treatments for lower back pain.

Both Shanta Retelny and Dr. Low Dog emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes in relieving IBS , both recommending nutritional strategies for people with IBS. Says Shanta Retelny: “See a registered dietitian or nutritionist who specializes in gastrointestinal health for a diet low in fermentable carbohydrates for a short-term elimination plan.”