The Link Between Back Pain and Digestion Issues
If you suffer from back pain, you may be surprised to learn that your digestive system could be to blame. In fact, there are a number of ways that back pain and digestion are connected. Keep reading to learn more about how your digestive system could be causing your back pain—and what you can do to find relief.
1. Poor posture while eating
If you have poor posture while eating—slouching forward or hunched over your plate—it can put unnecessary strain on your back. Over time, this strain can lead to muscle pain and even herniated discs. To avoid putting strain on your back, practice good posture while eating by sitting up straight and keeping your shoulders relaxed.
Try to avoid eating meals on the go. Slow down and take time to focus on what you’re eating, and you’ll have an easier time being mindful of your posture in the process.
2. Carrying extra weight
Carrying extra weight puts strain on your entire body—including your back. In fact, obesity is one of the leading causes of chronic back pain. If you’re carrying around extra weight, talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight safely and effectively.
Some helpful suggestions include eating lots of leafy green vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Couple that with reducing alcohol intake and exercising at least three times per week.
3. Constipation
Constipation can cause two problems that lead to back pain: straining during bowel movements and gas buildup in the intestines. When you strain during a bowel movement, it can put pressure on the discs in your spine and cause pain. Gas buildup can also cause bloating, which puts pressure on the discs in your spine and nerves in your lower back—leading to pain.
To avoid constipation-related back pain, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat a high-fiber diet. You may also want to talk to your doctor about taking a stool softener if constipation is a chronic problem for you. One last thing, even though it may be somewhat uncomfortable to talk about.
Consider the elevation of your legs during bowel movements. There have been a proliferation of products on the market designed to improve your “potty posture.” Try it out, and you may be surprised by the results.
4. Diarrhea
Like constipation, diarrhea can also lead to straining during bowel movements—which puts pressure on the discs in your spine and causes pain. Diarrhea can also cause dehydration, which can lead to muscle cramping—including in the muscles in your back.
To avoid diarrhea-related back pain, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids—especially water—and eating a balanced diet rich in fiber. You may also want to talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication if diarrhea is a chronic problem for you.
And if it is a chronic condition, you’ll want to have that conversation sooner rather than later. That’s because diarrhea can be connected to a number of potentially life-threatening diseases or conditions.
5. Hiatal hernia
When part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity, it’s called a hiatal hernia. This can cause GERD symptoms like heartburn because it allows acid to leak out of the stomach. It can also interfere with the digestive process because the stomach isn’t able to function properly.
Chiropractic care can help to intervene by gently realigning the stomach and diaphragm. This allows the stomach to function properly and prevents acid from leaking out. In addition, chiropractic care can help to relieve stress, which can also contribute to digestive issues.
By relieving stress and restoring proper function to the digestive system, chiropractic care can help to improve overall health and well-being.
Chiropractic Care Can Help You Get to the Bottom of Your Digestion Issues
For almost 40 years, Dr. Thomas Ferrigno of Bay Area Disc Centers has used his training and expertise to help hundreds of patients reclaim their quality of life. He does this by listening to the patient and providing a holistic approach to chiropractic care.
If you would like to experience the “healing touch” that has resulted in dozens of 5-star reviews from satisfied patients, now is the time. Contact Dr. Ferrigno’s office today for a free consultation and to set your first appointment.