Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentPreventionWhen to See a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Prevention
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Constipation causes abdominal pain because it slows the stool movement through the intestines, increasing abdominal pressure. The pain may feel crampy or sharp. It typically occurs in the lower abdomen, though it may radiate to the back. Additional constipation symptoms include difficulty passing stool, dry or hard stool, or the feeling of incomplete bowel movements.
This article reviews symptoms of abdominal pain from constipation, possible causes, relief, and prevention.
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Symptoms of Abdominal Pain From Constipation
Signs ofconstipationinclude infrequent bowel movements (pooping less than three times a week), difficulty passing stool, abdominal discomfort, and hard or dry stools.
Why Am I Always Constipated? 9 Possible Causes
Sensation
Abdominal pain from constipation may feel like a sharp twinge or cramps. Pressing on the abdomen may worsen the pain because it increases the pressure from slow stool movement in the intestines. You may also experience fullness, bloating, a feeling of not fully emptying your bowels, and nausea.
Location
Many people feel constipation symptoms in the right or left lower abdomen. However, it may cause discomfort throughout the belly, extending to the upper abdomen.Iffecal impaction(a build-up of stool) is causing your constipation, the hard stool can press on nerves in your lower back and contribute to back pain.
Frequency
Pain from constipation lasting less than one week (acute) may be intense and sudden. Constipation that lasts more than three months (chronic) may cause persistent discomfort. Infrequent or difficult bowel movements can contribute to the recurrent nature of the pain.
Pelvic Pain in Women and Men
What Causes Abdominal Pain and Constipation?
Constipation causes an accumulation of stool in the intestines. It can also increase gas production, cause intestinal distention (swelling), and put pressure on the surrounding nerves. The pressure, swelling, and gas can stimulate pain receptors, leading to abdominal pain.
The following factors can lead to constipation:
Some underlying health conditions that can cause constipation include:
Nervous System and Vagus Nerve RegulationThevagus nervesupports the communication between the gut and brain—known as the “brain-gut axis.” It helps regulatenervous system-controlled functions like breathing, heart rate, digestion, and bowel movements. Nervous system problems can disrupt muscle movements that move food through the intestines and out of the body, leading to constipation.
Nervous System and Vagus Nerve Regulation
Thevagus nervesupports the communication between the gut and brain—known as the “brain-gut axis.” It helps regulatenervous system-controlled functions like breathing, heart rate, digestion, and bowel movements. Nervous system problems can disrupt muscle movements that move food through the intestines and out of the body, leading to constipation.
How to Treat Constipation and Manage Abdominal Pain
How Should You Sit on the Toilet When Constipated?Sitting on the toilet with your feet on a stool, so your knees are higher than your hips, may help relax the pelvic floor muscles and aid bowel movements.
How Should You Sit on the Toilet When Constipated?
Sitting on the toilet with your feet on a stool, so your knees are higher than your hips, may help relax the pelvic floor muscles and aid bowel movements.
A warm compress on the abdomen, a warm bath, or a gentleabdominal massagecan helpalleviate abdominal paindue to constipation. The following may also provide constipation relief:
You can use over-the-counter (OTC)stool softenerslikeColace (docusate sodium)and OTC oral laxatives likeMiralax,milk of magnesia, Senokit, or ExLax for occasional constipation, but should not be used regularly.
Additionally,pelvic floor therapyhelps strengthen or relax pelvic floor muscles that may contribute to constipation.
Use Caution With Suppositories, Laxatives, and EnemasUse suppositories, laxatives, and enemas cautiously and under medical supervision. Over-reliance can disrupt bowel function or lead to side effects like dehydration.
Use Caution With Suppositories, Laxatives, and Enemas
Use suppositories, laxatives, and enemas cautiously and under medical supervision. Over-reliance can disrupt bowel function or lead to side effects like dehydration.
Guide to Over-the-Counter Laxatives
Staying Ahead of Constipation and Abdominal Pain
The following may help you stay ahead of abdominal pain due to constipation:
Consult a healthcare provider for persistent constipation or pain.
Supplements and Herbs for Diarrhea, Constipation, and Stomach Discomfort
Occasional constipation is common and is typically manageable with lifestyle adjustments or home remedies. However, if you experience persistent or severe constipation or abdominal pain, seek medical evaluation. The following are indicators that you should consider seeing a healthcare provider:
Abdominal Pain: What You Should Know
Summary
Signs of constipation include infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, abdominal discomfort, and hard or dry stools. Low fiber intake, dehydration, a lack of physical activity, underlying health conditions, or certain medications may contribute to constipation.
To address constipation, consider lifestyle changes such as adopting a high-fiber diet, drinking plenty of fluids, regular exercise, home remedies, and brief use of over-the-counter laxatives or enemas. If symptoms persist, especially severe pain, blood in your stool, or unexplained weight loss, consult a healthcare provider.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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