Can Herniated Disc Cause Constipation?

Herniated disc issues are usually associated with chronic or acute low back pain, muscle weakness, and occasional numbness of the upper and lower extremities. However, there are a number of patients who may also experience other symptoms such as problems with digestion.

So how does disc herniation contribute to digestive issues like constipation? A herniated or slipped disc occurs in the spinal cord, and there are several nerves that are responsible for normal digestive, bladder, and bowel function. If a spinal disc herniates or bulges, it could disrupt the nerve signals to the digestive system and lead to constipation problems.

Understanding The Spinal Cord and Its Link With Digestive Issues

The spinal cord is a complex structure consisting of different cells, tissues, and nerves. It’s contained in the spinal column which is composed of 33 vertebrae with protective discs that provide a cushion to minimize the damage to the spine.

The main function of the spinal cord is to deliver signals from the central nervous system to the rest of the body. Since it’s a pathway for communication, an injury to the spinal structures, such as spinal cord compression or herniated disc, can affect the nerves that control your digestive system. To better understand, here are the two nerves that are connected to your digestive function:

• Extrinsic nerves: This connects the digestive system to the brain and spinal cord. This group of nerves is responsible for releasing chemical signals that tell the digestive muscles to relax or contract.
• Intrinsic nerves: This refers to the nervous system of the intestinal tract and they are involved in the normal processing of food inside the gut. Once the food reaches and stretches the intestinal walls, they release signals to accelerate its movement and produce digestive juices.

Herniated Discs and Constipation

A direct injury or damage to the spine can cause several disorders and one of the most common conditions is a herniated disc. A disc herniation can occur anywhere in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.

An intervertebral disc is made of a thick outer covering called the annulus fibrosus and a soft inner gel-like core known as the nucleus pulposus. Its unique structure minimizes the friction against each of the bones and helps absorb shock from a sudden impact. Unfortunately, as you age, the discs lose their strength and flexibility which can lead to a small tear in their annulus and result in a herniated disc.

Once the nucleus leaks out of the disc and into the spinal canal, it can irritate the nearby nerves and cause a variety of symptoms such as neck pain, lower back pain, tingling or numbness in the lower and upper body, and muscle weakness. In severe cases of disc herniation, it may also affect the nerves connected to the digestive system and lead to neurogenic bowel dysfunction or constipation.

Symptoms of Constipation

Constipation is one of the common digestive disorders that happens when you have difficulty emptying your bowel. It’s usually a result of the slow movement of food through the digestive tract, which can be influenced by a herniated disc in the spine. It may also occur because of a blockage in the large intestine.

Here’s what constipation from herniated discs typically looks like:

• Moderate to severe abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Rectal pain
• Constant bloating
• Increased peristalsis which is a condition where the GI tract can’t properly break down or absorb the food
• Fecal incontinence or difficulty passing or controlling stool
• Having lumpy, hard, or dry stool
• Feelings of nausea or loss of appetite
• Experiencing tenesmus or the condition where you feel the need to pass stool even when the bowel is actually empty

Other Possible Causes of Constipation

Aside from bulging or herniated disc problems, there are other conditions that may contribute to feelings of constipation. Here are some of the other possible reasons for having difficulty in bowel function:

• Poor diet – Individuals who lack fiber intake in their diet may also experience symptoms of constipation. Eating too much fat and processed foods is typically not good for your overall bowel function.
• Irritable bowel syndrome – This is another digestive disorder that occurs from functional problems in the large intestine. This can cause symptoms of abdominal pain, distension, and changes in the consistency of stools.
• Nerve damage – Constipation may also be caused by certain neurological disorders that affect the colon and rectum. These conditions may include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and stroke.
• Weak pelvic floor muscles – The symptoms of constipation may also occur if you have a pelvic floor dysfunction. This condition happens when you’re unable to relax or control your pelvic floor muscle, leading to difficulty in passing stools or pain during bowel movements.
• Hormonal imbalance – Having conditions that affect your hormone levels can also affect the fluids in your body and upset your digestive system which can result in constipation symptoms.

Possible Treatments for Constipation Caused By Herniated Discs

Most of the time, constipation and herniated disc can go away on their own without immediate medical treatment. But note that if you’re experiencing persistent lower back discomfort and bowel issues, you’ll need to visit a specialist and review your options for pain management. Here are some of the possible solutions for your herniated disc and constipation issues:

1) Recommendation for Bowel Program

A bowel program can help restore healthy and normal function to your digestive system. Its goal is to establish a regular schedule that will stimulate the bowels to empty themselves. It can help improve involuntary bowel movements and reduce the symptoms of constipation.

A bowel program typically involves diet recommendations for restoring good bowel health. It can also provide a list of the best techniques that will help you easily pass stool. If needed, your plan may also contain a variety of pain medicine options and stimulant laxatives.

2) Pain Medication

Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and pain killers can also be prescribed by your doctor to treat a herniated disc. Over-the-counter medicines can provide temporary herniated disc pain relief and manage swelling of the affected spinal nerve.

3) Laxatives

A laxative contains different stimulant chemicals that will accelerate stool movement so you can empty your bowels faster. There are also other laxatives that soften the stool by decreasing the tension and absorbing more water so they’ll be easier to release. It’s important to note that taking too much of laxatives can have some side effects, which is why you should use them under prescription.

4) Physical Therapy

There are physical therapy exercises that can benefit people with both constipation and herniated disc problems. For alleviating disc herniation, a physical therapist can recommend a program that’s focused on reducing strain on tight muscles, relieving pressure on nerves, and restoring good blood circulation.

On the other, physical therapy for constipation will typically include activities for improving the pelvic floor muscles. One example is Kegel exercises which can provide ease in bowel movement and enhance the coordination of the muscles.

5) Surgery

Herniated discs and constipation rarely need surgical treatment and they’re only recommended when symptoms aren’t improving with conservative methods. Spine surgery may be done to remove a part of the herniated disc and eliminate the pressure on the nerve. Meanwhile, a colon resection surgery or colectomy may be performed to remove a part of your colon or the entire large bowel.

What Could Happen If You Don’t Get Immediate Treatment For Herniated Discs and Constipation

While they’re not exactly life-threatening, untreated constipation and herniated discs can lead to several problems that will have a negative impact on your quality of life. Here are some of the possible complications that can occur if you don’t get urgent care for chronic pain from herniated disc and constipation:

• Fecal Impaction: This is a condition where a lump of stool remains stuck in your rectum and can’t be released from your body. It usually occurs in patients with chronic constipation.
• Sciatica: When a herniated disc affects a sciatic nerve root, it can cause sharp leg pain and numbness that can radiate from the buttocks to the lower extremities.
• Cauda Equina Syndrome: A large disc herniation in the lower back can also irritate the cauda equina nerves found in the bottom part of the spinal cord. This can lead to symptoms of tingling, leg weakness, and loss of sensation and reflexes in the lower body.
• Spinal Stenosis: The natural degeneration or herniation of the discs can cause the vertebrae to shift and lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal. This may result in a pinched nerve and cause severe pain.

Improve Your Quality of Life With Non-Invasive Spine Treatments From New York Pain Care

It’s not unusual for lower back pain to be accompanied by constipation, especially if it’s caused by a herniated or bulging disc. Although self-care is possible for temporary pain relief, the best way you can relieve its symptoms is to visit your doctor to receive the appropriate treatment.

At our pain management clinic in New York, we provide safe and effective nonsurgical treatments to help manage your herniated disc pain and other related conditions. Our team of specialists will provide an accurate diagnosis and prepare a treatment plan that will help reclaim your comfort and quality of life. To schedule your initial consultation or to inquire about our other services, call us now.