Can IBS Cause Back Pain?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the digestive system, which is responsible for breaking down and absorbing food. While the most common symptoms are abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, some people with IBS also report having back pain.

Experts believe this could be due to intestinal discomfort or what’s known as “referred pain,” in which the brain accidentally signals IBS pain to be felt in a different area of the body. Fortunately, treatment options are available once a healthcare provider confirms the underlying cause.

This article explores the potential causes of IBS back pain and when you should consider seeking treatment.

What Causes IBS Pain?

Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of IBS. This pain is usually felt near the intestines, but there’s no physical harm to your organs. While IBS pain is very real, it’s not due to obvious, physical damage in the body. 

Researchers are still figuring out exactly what causes IBS and the pain associated with it. It likely involves one or more of the following factors:

• Physical sensations: Cramps and pain can result as the muscles in your intestines contract to move food through your digestive tract.
• Hypersensitivity: Extra-sensitive nerves in the gastrointestinal tract can make mild digestive sensations feel extraordinarily painful.
• Gut-brain connection: Over time, there can be widespread miscommunication in the way your brain interacts with the nerves in your digestive tract.

Further, IBS pain may be worsened by the psychosocial factors associated with the condition. Thoughts or feelings of anxiety or distress can stimulate an exaggerated painful response from your gut.

The Link Between IBS and Back Pain

In addition to abdominal-related symptoms, research shows that people with IBS are likely to feel pain in other parts of the body. As many as 81% of people with IBS may also experience back pain.

While the root cause of this back pain varies by person, researchers think it could be linked to IBS in the following ways:

• Physical factors: Sensations in the intestines like gas pressure, colon spasms, or swollen bowels can lead to pain in the abdomen and lower back.
• Referred pain: In many health conditions, pain originating in one part of the body (in this case, the intestines) can be felt in another part of the body (in this case, the back).
• Another health condition: People with IBS often experience other inflammatory health conditions at the same time, such as fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can include back pain as a primary symptom.

Related Symptoms

The key symptom of IBS is pain or discomfort in the abdomen. But other symptoms that do not involve the abdomen can also occur, like back pain.

Additional related symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sleep disturbances
• Sexual dysfunction
  

It's important to talk to a healthcare provider about any new or worsening symptoms that come with your IBS. If IBS pain becomes severe or involves bleeding, vomiting, or breathing problems, seek immediate medical care.

Treatment for IBS Back Pain

Before starting any treatment plans for IBS back pain, your healthcare provider will first try to confirm the underlying cause. Questions they may work to find answers to include:

1. Is it related to physical sensations throughout the abdominal area?
2. Is it referred pain?
3. Might it be due to a totally different condition altogether?

From there, they may recommend one or more of the following treatment options for IBS back pain:

• Activity modification: Gentle physical activity, rather than lying down or being sedentary, is typically good for IBS symptoms like gas and general back pain. Exercise is also known to reduce stress, which can prompt IBS symptoms. Ice and heat application following exercise may help further relive pain.
• Medications: Taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) for pain is often the best choice for people with IBS, as NSAIDs like ibuprofen can trigger gastrointestinal issues. Topical medications like lidocaine can also provide relief. If the pain is severe, a healthcare provider may consider prescription medications like short-term muscle relaxers or steroid injections to decrease inflammation.
• Alternative therapies: Alternative treatments for back pain like acupuncture, massage and chiropractic treatments can be effective options. In addition, relaxation exercises and cognitive behavioral therapy may be successful in addressing the stress response that triggers IBS symptoms.
• Dietary adjustments: An important part of managing IBS is targeting specific food triggers. If your back pain is caused by IBS-related gas movement, your healthcare provider may recommend avoiding food and drinks that prompt gas production.
  

Summary

People with IBS commonly experience pain in other parts of the body, including the back. Experts think this may be due to the physical sensations of IBS, having another painful condition, or referred pain (pain felt in another part of the body away from the actual source). A healthcare provider can help determine the source of the pain and recommend an individualized treatment plan to manage the pain.

A Word From Verywell

For the millions of people who have IBS, living with the condition can be physically, emotionally, and socially challenging. Adding back pain into the mix can make the situation even more frustrating. Remember that stress is a common trigger for IBS symptoms, so getting to the root of your pain and treating it will help. Don't hesitate to bring up any new or changing IBS symptoms, like back pain, to your healthcare provider.