Sciatica | Northwest Medical Center

Sciatica refers to pain that begins in the hip and buttocks and continues all the way down the leg.

What Is Sciatica?

True sciatica is a condition that occurs when a herniated lumbar disc compresses one of the contributing roots of the sciatic nerve. This condition is often accompanied by low back pain, which can be more or less severe than the leg pain. The term “sciatica” indicates that the sciatic nerve, which travels from the lower back through the buttocks and into the leg, is thought to be the cause of the pain in this condition.

Sciatica is less common than other causes and conditions that produce back pain. For instance, sporting activities, recreational activities, and heavy labor can cause back and leg pain, which is commonly misdiagnosed as sciatica. The challenge for a physician is to distinguish between radicular pain, which is caused by an inflamed nerve root, and referred pain, which is a result of a musculoskeletal sprain or strain.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sciatica?

The most common symptom of true sciatica is posterior thigh, lower leg or foot pain that can be much worse than the accompanying lower back pain. Usually a patient will experience moderate to severe pain, which begins in the buttocks and runs down through the leg or foot. It is important to know that true sciatica will produce pain that radiates beyond the knee. Often a patient will have a previous history of lower back pain beginning a few days or weeks before the leg pain occurs, then the leg pain becomes worse than the back pain, and in some cases the back pain will completely disappear.

However, in the case of longstanding history of sciatica, the pain may gradually become localized to the buttocks and back of the leg. In this situation, the patient may have a vague aching pain that does not reach all the way to the lower leg or foot, though it may have done so earlier in the course of the disease.

Often there is not a specific traumatic event or motion associated with the onset of sciatica. Standing, sitting, heavy lifting, sneezing, or having a bowel movement may aggravate the pain. Lying down is usually the most comfortable position. Occasionally paresthesias, weakness and diminished bowel or bladder function will accompany sciatica, but these are rare symptoms.

How Is Sciatica Diagnosed?

A thorough history and physical examination is an important part of the diagnosis of sciatica. Nerve root tension tests can be used to confirm the presence of sciatica by attempting to reproduce the discomfort with certain motions and body positions. These tests are performed by a doctor and involve moving the legs in certain ways that slightly stretch the sciatic nerve. If the patient experiences pain during these tests, an irritated sciatic nerve is likely to be a source of the pain.

How Is Sciatica Treated?

Your doctor will be able to discuss with you what your diagnosis means in terms of treatment options. Non-surgical therapies such as medication, rest or physical therapy are typically recommended first.

However, if these therapies fail to provide lasting relief over the reasonable length of time, or if there is evidence that nerve root compression is causing nerve damage, your doctor may recommend spine surgery. The goal of surgery is alleviate your symptoms and prevent further damage by removing the source of pressure on the spinal nerve roots.

Spinal surgeons perform a variety of procedures to achieve spinal decompression. When determining the optimal surgical procedure, a surgeon will consider patient pathology (the structural and functional changes that led to the patient’s neurological dysfunction), the level or levels of the spine affected, the patient’s medical history and his or her surgical experience and training.

Today, spinal decompression also can be performed using a minimally invasive technique that allows your spine surgeon to dilate the muscles surrounding your spine rather than stripping the muscles away from the spine.

The benefits of spine surgery, however, must be weighed against the risks. Your surgeon will be able to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with you, and the likely results of operative versus non-operative treatment.

Back to Diagnosis

What Can Help Soften Stools?

Before you disregard what I’m about to say, I’m going to ask that you be patient.

I know you’re suffering from lower back pain or else you wouldn’t be at this website.

I also know that you will probably disregard any notion that the sciatica you suffer from is caused by constipation.

Let me be clear: constipation can cause sciatica. If you don’t trust me, check other websites. Doctors agree constipation is one of a myriad of causes of sciatica.

While you may think the bowels and the lower back are different parts of the body, it’s important to understand that all parts of the body are connected in some way or another.

What is sciatica?

If you have a pain in your lower back near the buttocks and that pain travels down a leg, then chances are you have sciatica.

Sciatica is a common lower back pain that doctors treat frequently. The pain is often characterized by feeling akin to a toothache, a combination of dull and sharp aches that create a feeling of pins and needles. Pins and needles are the most common pain experienced with nerves.

Sciatica results from sciatic nerve compression. Constipation is one of the few non-spinal conditions that cause sciatica. Even using the bathroom becomes a painful burden by irritating the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve — the largest in the body — is compressed by external pressure. Women in child birth and men who carry wallets in their back pocket may experience sciatica.

Remember that sciatica is treatable If you’re experiencing constipation and lower back pain, ask your doctor to test you for sciatica. Doctors can test you with a CT scan, MRI, x-ray or nerve conduction tests.

Solving the problem

If you’re experiencing sciatica related to constipation, your first course of action should be a diet change. A fiber-infused diet full of fruits and vegetables relieves constipation. Also consider a fiber supplement.

Reduce the pain

While you wait for constipation relief, there are several ways to reduce pain. The first is to take aspirin or ibuprofen. Anti-inflammatory medications reduce nerve and muscle inflammation, alleviating nerve irritation. In the same way, alternating hot and cold compresses reduce the inflammation and soothe the pain. These can be applied to your legs if the pain travels down your body.

Also, consider a firm mattress to support your back and alleviate any sciatica that may also be resulting from back strain. Some doctors may recommend several days to allow the sciatic nerve damage to heal.

Rules to remember

No heavy lifting – sometimes no lifting should be done at all.

Move slowly when standing up or getting in and out of bed.

Don’t bend or sit in soft chairs. Support is paramount.

Don’t ignore the pain. Nerve pain either heals within a week or gets worse.

Nerves are not something you want to wait to heal.

Filed Under: Sciatica
Written By: Jesse Cannone, CFT, CPRS, MFT Updated: July 20,2011

Can Constipation Cause Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain can be difficult to diagnose because it can have so many potential causes. Since our lower back houses crucial skeletal structures, muscle groups, and nerve endings, any lower back pain should be diagnosed and treated immediately, no matter how trivial or serious the cause.

But can a condition like constipation cause lower back pain? It’s possible, but there are other equally likely causes as well. If constipation is the cause of your back pain, it may indicate a more serious issue with your digestive system that needs treatment.

How Constipation Causes Back Pain

Because of the large space the digestive tract occupies in the body, it’s possible for signs and symptoms of back pain to manifest when you experience constipation. Typically, this lower back pain will appear as a dull, aching pain that extends from your lower back to the rest of your abdomen – typically a sign of a blocked rectum or stool backup in your colon.

There are two constipation-related causes that can cause significant symptoms of lower back pain:

1. Fecal impaction

Fecal impaction is a severe condition where your stool is unable to pass through your colon or rectum, causing extreme pressure on the organs around the area. Without proper medical treatment, fecal impaction can cause severe pain and damage, and should be treated as soon as possible.

Aside from lower back pain, other symptoms of fecal impaction include bloating, vomiting, nausea, headaches, and incontinence. These symptoms can appear gradually and all at once, and will become increasingly severe until the blockage is treated.

The primary cause of fecal impaction is frequent and untreated constipation. Since constipation effectively conditions the colon and the rectum to be more restrictive and apply pressure on itself to tighten up, this can cause a significant buildup of stools over time. When the mass gets significant enough, fecal impaction occurs. 

Other less likely causes are medication, surgery, lack of movement, or the overuse of laxatives.

Typically, the treatment for fecal impaction is an enema, laxatives, water irrigation, or anal suppositories. Under no circumstances should patients try to treat themselves at home or ignore the symptoms, especially if your lower back pain has migrated to your lower limb.

2. General constipation

The more likely cause for lower back pain is constipation itself, since the blockage of fecal matter in your digestive tract presses on the muscles and nerves of your body. This causes feedback of sensations that steadily get worse as the mass grows.

Symptoms of constipation include infrequent bowel movements, acute or chronic back pain in the lower back and lower limb when defecating, difficulty with bowel movements, and hard or lumpy stools. You may also experience abdominal cramping and swelling, and a feeling of fullness that remains even if you haven’t eaten anything.

Causes of constipation are usually linked to diet, though factors like stress, injury, medication, and lack of exercise can also play a role. Most of the time, the exact cause of constipation can be difficult to determine without a physician’s diagnosis. This makes it crucial for patients to consult with doctors if they experience constipation right away, especially if it’s been ongoing for a while.

Treatment for constipation is typically less aggressive than fecal impaction, revolving around diet and management of bowel movement. Medications may be used, but doctors will usually recommend them as a last resort. Lifestyle changes like exercise and stretching are also excellent treatment options, but should not be used as the only solution to treating the problem.

When To See Your Doctor

In most cases, it’s possible to apply home remedies and management to back pain caused by constipation. The pain usually subsides once the blockage has been removed, though patients need to monitor themselves if they’re prone to bouts of constipation.

However, there are situations where it’s more advisable that you consult your doctor immediately about your lower back pain:

1. When you haven’t had a bowel movement in more than 7 days

This may indicate a serious blockage in your digestive tract that needs treatment immediately. Symptoms for constipation may sometimes appear isolated from one another, based on the body of the patient. Patients who experience prolonged periods without a bowel movement and lower back pain should get checked immediately.

2. Bloody stools

Bloody stool is a sign of either anal fissure or internal bleeding. Because the stools are so compacted and dry, they scratch and tear the lining of the digestive tract during a bowel movement. More severe causes for bloody stools may include cancer or hemorrhoids.

3. Pain that doesn’t disappear after bowel movement

Your lower back pain should disappear after a bowel movement, since that alleviates any pressure you may be experiencing in your pelvic area. However, if the pain persists or intensifies after your bowel movement, it could be a sign that a nerve was pinched or something was dislodged when your colon loosened up.

4. Fluctuating back pain

Lower back pain isn’t always intense and localized – chronic pain can also manifest if your habits or lifestyle contribute to conditions like constipation. Most patients tend to dismiss acute back pain unless it becomes too debilitating, but even periods of fluctuating lower back pain should be checked by a physician immediately.

5. Difficulty in bowel movement

Aside from the frequency of bowel movements, the difficulty of stool evacuation should also be considered. If you’re having trouble with your bowel movements, it could be that the stool inside your digestive system has become too large to push out. Forcing a bowel movement in that situation can cause serious damage to your rectal lining.

Under no circumstances should you consider self-medication unless approved by a doctor. While laxatives and other medications can help alleviate mild symptoms of constipation and lower back pain, any serious or chronic back problems should always be diagnosed by a medical professional first.

Other Conditions That May Cause Back Pain

While constipation can be a trigger of lower back pain, there are other conditions that are equally likely to be the cause. These conditions are often far more serious and have debilitating effects if not treated immediately.

1. Masses around the lower back

Cancer (particularly colon and rectal cancer) can often manifest in lower back or lower limb pain, alongside bloody stools and difficulty with bowel movements. Since the tumor mass can press on the spinal cord and other nerves found in the lower back, it can often escalate into a life-threatening situation if left unattended.

Swelling, inflammation, lumps, or acute pain and discomfort are also symptoms of tumors. It’s often possible to feel the tumor itself if it’s around the lower back area. These lumps aren’t always tumors: they can also be swollen lymph nodes, one of the latest signs of colorectal cancer.

2. Spinal injuries

Spinal injuries like a slipped disc or pelvic injury can also cause significant amounts of lower back pain or any activity that pinches the nerves around your spinal cord. These injuries can be fairly minor or severe in nature, and are usually determined by the event that precipitated the accident.

In rare cases, it can be possible for spinal injuries to remain undetected, only causing intermittent lower back pain that can be mistakenly attributed to constipation. In these situations, the patient’s self-awareness about their body and the schedule of their regular checkups is crucial to catch any spinal injuries and prevent them from becoming a bigger problem.

3. Improper sleep positions

Finally, improper sleep position can be a significant contributor to lower back pain. Since the body follows a natural curvature, any misalignment that it experiences during sleep will manifest in acute pain when the person wakes up. This pain can be magnified during and after bowel movements, which can muddle the diagnosis and treatments the physician may recommend.

Improper sleep positions can be treated by buying the right pillow, adjusting your mattress, or getting a medical brace. You can also consider exercises and stretches to do before bedtime that can help your muscles and bones remain more limber, as well as a similar routine to follow in the morning.

No matter the sign or symptom of back pain, it’s crucial that the patient have themselves examined immediately. Any significant loss of function or changes in the body after experiencing lower back pain can be a sign of a serious condition that needs to be treated immediately.

Improve Spinal Health With The Spine And Rehab Group

Constipation is a possible cause for lower back pain, but you should always get a full diagnosis before your doctor before settling it as the only cause. There are a myriad of factors that can trigger the symptoms of lower back pain, and it’s important to check for all possible conditions to catch any serious illnesses that may be developing.

At the Spine And Rehab Group, we believe in providing high-quality medical care and assistance for any sort of back pain, combined with a commitment to long-lasting solutions and excellent customer service. We have years of experience in treating most causes of back pain, with clinics all over New York that you can visit today.

Read more: How To Describe Back Pain To Your Doctor

Lower back pain may be caused by bowel problems

Problems of the lower back may be related to bowel problems or painful and swollen bowels. Back pain and piercing or nagging pain in the abdomen may be attributable to swollen bowels and flatulence.

For all kinds of reasons, the stomach may feel uncomfortable and cause back problems at the same time. In turn, back problems may cause abdominal pain. The nerves of both regions run lumbar (through the lower part of the spine). So, they have considerable impact on each other.

Back pain due to irritable bowel syndrome

A frequent complaint and diagnosis are colon spasms or irritable bowel, a syndrome that occurs more often in women, also during the menstrual cycle. When you suffer from abdominal pain and bloating, it is possible that you suffer from IBS or irritable bowel syndrome. One of the symptoms is a very painful lower back.

Pain in the lower abdomen and the lower back occurs in various ways. Depending on the condition, you can feel the pain in a specific part of the abdomen, for instance at the bottom. Sometimes the entire abdomen can be painful with a painful feeling in the sides and the lower back or in the lower back and the pelvis. This does not always mean it is serious. Many women have this periodically. A hot water bottle and pain killers are still the best cure. In the event of serious pain, you must contact a GP.

How do the intestines work?

The intestines are part of the digestive system and run from the abdomen to the anus. Most nutrients are absorbed in the intestines. The intestines are a few metres long. On average, the small intestine is 6 metres and the large intestine one and a half metres. Via peristaltic movements (pushing and kneading movements) the small intestines transport undigested food to the large intestines. In the large intestines, this food is processed and various rotting and fermentation processes take place. This is where bowel problems, such as flatulence or wind, often occur.

In most of the cases, the cause of bowel problems is an incorrect lifestyle, such as smoking and lack of exercise. Also, food with too much fat and too few fibres may cause diarrhoea or constipation. To prevent or reduce bowel problems, it is recommended to ensure you eat high-fibre foods (for instance brown bread, wholemeal pasta, nuts).

Fibres are parts of vegetable foods that your small intestines cannot digest or absorb. They go to the large intestines undigested. Due to a lack of fibres in food, there will be fewer indigestible material in the intestines. In the absence of sufficient bulk and the stimulating action of the food fibres, the intestines are insufficiently stimulated. This is detrimental for proper digestion of food. Moreover, too little fluid is absorbed causing hard stools and making bowel movements difficult.

The intestines are located ventrally (at the front) of the spine and can exert pressure on the vertebrae. A condition that causes pressure on the spine can cause lower backache in combination with bowel problems and problems with bladder control.

Tips to prevent or decrease bowel problems

• Make sure you eat regularly: take at least three meals spread across the day and no more than three to four snacks in-between.
• Take time to eat and chew well.
• Ensure that your food contains sufficient fibre (30 to 40 grams per day).
• Drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day.
• Go to the toilet on time, or even allocate a set time to go to the toilet undisturbed.
• Do not use laxatives without the permission of a doctor.
• Take sufficient and frequent exercise.

Obesity

Abdominal problems and bad digestion may also be the result of obesity. Obesity causes more infection reactions in the large intestines and a greater risk of chronic abdominal complaints. Too much weight causes more pressure on the lumbar vertebrae and the lower back muscles which can result in increased back pain. The latter is not related to the bowel problems that cause back problems but may not be ignored all the same.

Abdominal pain and back problems are therefore not always reasons for panic. Switching to a healthier lifestyle with more exercise and high-fibre food may solve the problems in many cases.

Neurogenic Bowel | Cedars-Sinai

Not what you’re looking for?

What is neurogenic bowel?

Neurogenic bowel is the loss of
normal bowel function. It’s caused by a nerve problem. A spinal cord injury or a nerve
disease may damage the nerves that help control the lower part of your colon. This is the part of the body that sends solid waste
out of the body. This condition gets in the way of your normal ability to store and get
rid of waste. It often causes constipation and bowel accidents.

The food you eat goes to your GI
(gastrointestinal) tract for digestion. You might think of your GI tract as a long tube.
Here is how it works:

• Muscles around the GI tract push the food by contracting and
  squeezing the tube in a wave-like pattern (peristalsis). 
• Starting at the mouth, food goes down the food pipe
  (esophagus) to the stomach.
• It then goes into the intestines or bowel. The first part of
  the intestines absorbs the nutrients. The food your body can’t use then goes on
  into the large intestine (colon).
• Your colon reabsorbs excess water from the undigested food
  (called stool). The stool is stored in the last part of the GI tract called the
  rectum.
• Over time, your body removes the stool through the anus
  during a bowel movement. A ring of sphincter muscles keeps the stool inside the
  rectum until you have a BM.

The muscles and nerves around your
rectum and anus need to work together for your bowels to work correctly. Nerves control
the muscles of the rectum. They signal when the rectum is full. Damage to these nerves
can interfere with bowel control. The damage may reduce the peristalsis in the muscles
around the colon. The damage may block signals to or from the rectum and anus. This
means you may not feel when you need to have a BM. Or you may not be able to have a BM
when you want.

There are 2 main kinds of
neurogenic bowel, depending on the nerves affected:

• Reflex (spastic) bowel problem. This
  is when you can’t voluntarily relax the anal sphincter. You may have constipation.
  Signals between the colon and the brain become disrupted. In reflex bowel problems,
  the reflex that triggers a BM still works. But you may not feel it coming. An
  unplanned BM can happen when the rectum is full. A reflex bowel problem may occur
  after an upper central nervous system injury.
• Flaccid bowel problem. This is
  reduced movement in the colon. There is less peristalsis, and the sphincter is looser
  than normal. This can lead to constipation with frequent leaking of stool. A flaccid
  bowel problem may follow a lower spinal cord injury.

Neurogenic bowel can lead to BM accidents (incontinence),
constipation, and other problems. These problems can cause physical, social, and
emotional difficulties. People with neurogenic bowel may be able to set up a bowel
management program that helps to reduce problems.

What causes neurogenic bowel?

Nerve damage may lead to neurogenic bowel. This can happen from:

• Injury, such as spinal cord injury
• Nervous system disease such as
  multiple sclerosis (MS) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Stroke

What are the symptoms of neurogenic bowel?

Neurogenic bowel causes a loss of normal bowel function. Damaged nerves disrupt the ability of your rectum to store and get rid of waste. Because of disrupted signals between the colon and the brain, you may not feel the urge to have a BM. This often causes constipation and BM accidents. Reflex bowel problems may cause a sudden, unplanned BM when the rectum is full. Flaccid bowel problems may lead to frequent leaks of stool because the sphincter does not close as tightly. Neurogenic bowel may cause:

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Trouble having a BM
• Loss of feeling that the bowel is
  full
• Upset stomach (nausea) or belly
  pain
• Stool leaking or frequent BM accidents

How is neurogenic bowel diagnosed?

Healthcare providers will ask about
your health history, recent symptoms, past health conditions, and family health history.
The provider may ask how often you have BM accidents or constipation. You may need to
fill out a stool diary to record when you have BMs. Providers generally do a physical
exam, including a rectal exam and testing of your reflexes. You may need other tests
such as:

• Anorectal manometry to measure sphincter strength
• Electromyography to test the electrical activity of the muscles around the anus and rectum
• MRI or CT scan of your brain or spinal
  cord
• Ultrasound imaging of the anus

You may get the diagnosis from a gastroenterologist or other specialist.

How is neurogenic bowel treated?

People with neurogenic bowel need
to have a routine bowel management program. This includes scheduled routines to remove
the stool from the rectum on a regular basis. This helps prevent accidents,
constipation, and bowel blockage. A bowel program also includes diet changes, medicines,
and other methods. Your healthcare team can help you create a bowel management program.
Your bowel care may include:

• Belly (abdominal) muscle training
• Botulinum toxin to help decrease anal
  sphincter spasticity
• Colostomy surgery to make an opening
  for stool to empty through instead of the rectum
• Dietary changes
• Electrical (neural) stimulation of the
  belly muscles
• Exercise and activity plans
• Laxative regimen (may include both
  pills taken by mouth and suppositories)
• Pulsed water irrigation
• Scheduled bowel routine to physically
  remove the stool from your rectum
• Surgery to create a hole (stoma)
  through which you can flush water into the top of your bowel
• Using a finger to trigger the
  sphincter muscle (digital rectal stimulation)

By following a bowel management
program, you may need less help from others. It may also help prevent related problems,
such as hemorrhoids or bowel blockage. Good bowel care practice helps prevent BM
accidents. It also helps to prevent hemorrhoids, serious constipation, and intestinal
blockage. You can work with your healthcare team to create and maintain the best bowel
care program for your situation.

If you need a caregiver, they will need training in good bowel care.
You should be involved in this training if possible. The goal is to give you the most
freedom and flexibility. It will help limit the impact of bowel dysfunction on your
quality of life.

Key points about neurogenic bowel

• Neurogenic bowel is the loss of normal
  bowel function due to a nerve problem. It causes constipation and bowel
  accidents.
• Nerve damage may be due to an injury
  or a health condition such as multiple sclerosis.
• Symptoms include trouble having a
  bowel movement, belly pain, leaking stool, and frequent bowel movement
  accidents.
• Tests for diagnosis may include an MRI
  or CT scan of your brain or spinal cord and an ultrasound of the anus.
• Treatment includes creating a bowel
  management program. This includes scheduled times to remove stool from the rectum.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your healthcare provider tells you.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
• Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Medical Reviewer: Jen Lehrer MD

Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN

Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN

© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Not what you’re looking for?

Constipation and Leg Pain: FAQs

Does constipation typically cause leg pain? Although leg pain is not normally associated with constipation, constipation can cause back pain, which can lead to pain or discomfort in other areas of the body.

Treating constipation normally involves changes in diet and exercise, but sometimes prescription medication is needed to keep the fecal matter from becoming impacted.

Commonly Asked Questions About Constipation

Here are some of the questions that medical professionals answer most often about constipation.

Q. Why am I constipated?

As food moves through your digestive system, it’s broken down into nutrients your body needs and waste the body wants to expel. When your colon (the large intestine) absorbs too much water, the waste (stool) gets hard, dry, and very difficult to expel.

Q. Can constipation cause back pain?

Many patients complain of lower back pain when constipated. Causes connecting the two may include:

• Muscle strain from trying to force a bowel movement
• Pressure from abdominal bloating, gas, and swelling

If you already have a back condition, straining to defecate can make it worse. Abdominal pain is common when constipation has your digestive system backed up.

Q. Which laxatives should I take?

If your constipation is occasional, you might try a bulk laxative containing fiber to become regular. But if your constipation is frequent or severe, we recommend you get medical advice. Overuse of laxatives can make your condition worse over time.

Help for Constipation at FastMed Urgent Care

The medical professionals at FastMed Urgent Care can help determine the cause of your constipation and ensure it is not caused by a more serious problem, like irritable bowel syndrome. In most cases, an X-ray will be taken to make sure there is no blockage or impacted fecal matter. If your condition is severe, constipation medication may be prescribed to you.

Before your visit, be prepared with a list of any medications you’re taking, as some of them can contribute to constipation. For accurate information about lifestyle changes that help relieve the pain of constipation, please use our medical library.

FastMed Urgent Care has locations throughout North Carolina, Arizona and Texas that have extended hours and accept most major insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare. Find a FastMed near you today!

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Sources: 

Pain In Buttocks During Early Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes some of the biggest changes you’ll ever experience.

Although it doesn’t feel like a lot is happening during your first trimester, your body is working overtime to accommodate your rapidly growing baby and expanding uterus.

Many pregnant women experience a few aches and pains as their bodies adapt – both physically and hormonally.

Pain in buttocks during early pregnancy, though, might not be on the top of your list of things to expect.

There’s a number of causes for pain in buttocks during early pregnancy. We will discuss them further.

Pain in buttocks during early pregnancy

Some women experience this symptom without really knowing what’s causing it.

There are many theories about the causes of pain in buttocks during early pregnancy.

It could be the effect of rapid hormone changes, the body’s reaction to implantation and the transition into a pregnant state.

Each woman is different. You might simply be sensitive, in a certain area, to the subtle changes occurring as your baby and your uterus begin to grow.

There are several specific reasons why you might experience this sort of buttock pain so early in pregnancy.

They include:

Pain in buttocks during pregnancy – second trimester

Hemorrhoids (also known as piles) are a common occurrence in pregnant women. Quite literally, they are a ‘pain in the butt’.

Unfortunately, hemorrhoids are a common ailment; up to 35% of pregnant women experience them.

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins that occur around your bottom.

Progesterone causes the blood vessels – both internal and external – around the anus and rectum to relax and become swollen.

The increasing weight of your expanding uterus also puts additional pressure on the blood vessels in this region, causing hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

• Itching, aching, soreness or swelling around the anus: this can radiate pain into the surrounding area
• Pain during a bowel movement: you can feel pain as you pass a stool
• Dull aches and pains following a bowel movement: you might feel pain as the vessel become irritated
• A lump hanging outside of the anus: – you might see or feel an external lump after a bowel movement.
• Bleeding after passing a stool: you might experience some fresh red blood loss after a bowel movement.

Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing a significant amount of blood after passing stools

Hemorrhoids can usually be treated and resolved fairly quickly with some simple over the counter and home remedies.

Click here to read more about the causes of, and treatments for, hemorrhoids.

Can constipation cause buttock pain during pregnancy?

Many people with hemorrhoids have a history of constipation.

Straining during a bowel movement puts extra stress and pressure on the blood vessels around the bottom. Up to 40% of pregnant women will experience constipation.

It’s particularly problematic in pregnancy because progesterone slows down the digestive system.

This means that waste stays in the intestines and bowel for long periods of time.

As more and more water is removed during the process, the stool becomes harder, and more difficult to pass.

Severe constipation can lead to anal fissures, which are small tears or cracks in the delicate lining of the anus.

Fissures can cause sharp or shooting pain in the bottom which can radiate into buttock pain.

Pain in buttocks during pregnancy – third trimester

The pelvic girdle contains and supports pelvic organs, including the intestines, the bladder and internal sex organs.

Discomfort or pain in this area is known as pelvic girdle pain (PGP).

PGP can also affect the lower back and hips, causing pain not only in the pelvic region but also in the buttocks, groin, thighs and knees.

Causes of pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy:

• The pregnancy hormone relaxin helps to loosen the ligaments of the pelvis to make space for your baby in preparation for birth.
• Sometimes the ligaments can loosen too much, or can move unevenly, leading to instability in the pelvic girdle
• Normal pregnancy weight gain puts additional pressure on the sacroiliac and the symphysis pubis ligaments, which causes discomfort.

PGP is a common cause of pain during pregnancy.

According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pelvic girdle pain affects 1 in 5 pregnant women.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can occur at any point in the pregnancy.

For most women, PGP will go away after birth, but some experience ongoing pain throughout the postnatal period and beyond.

Sharp pain in buttocks during pregnancy

Buttocks pain is often a result of sciatica.

The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg.

During pregnancy, extra pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause sharp shooting sciatica pain felt through the buttocks and/or the legs.

Sciatic nerve pain can radiate from the lower back and buttocks and travel down the legs towards the knee. It can be felt at any point along the length of the nerve.

Pain caused by sciatica can be felt on one side, or on both sides.

The site where you feel the sensation depends on where the nerve is irritated.

You might notice a burning sensation or a sharp shooting pain in the buttocks or down through one leg.

Some people experience numbness or tingling.

You might experience pain continuously or intermittently, depending on your activity.

Sciatica is more common in the third trimester but can occur at any stage in pregnancy.

Massage therapy, heat therapy and stretching, such as yoga, are all useful ways to help reduce sciatica.

It’s best to see a therapist who specialises in pregnancy to ask for advice about treatment.

Pressure in buttocks during pregnancy

Your baby’s weight gain will accelerate in the final weeks of pregnancy, as he begins to lay down more brown fat cells.

It’s normal for babies to put on between a quarter to half a pound (112-225 grams) per week from 36 weeks of pregnancy.

As the pelvis expands under the influence of the hormone relaxin, your baby begins to sink lower.

After the baby ‘drops’, the head presses on the nerves in the pelvis and the rectum.

This can feel like pressure, and even pain, in the buttocks area.

Cramps in buttocks during pregnancy

Cramps are also a literal pain in the butt for the pregnant woman.

Sometimes muscle tension in the back can contribute to cramping lower down.

If you suffer cramping and buttocks pain, it can help if you incorporate some daily stretching into your routine.

To alleviate cramps, add Epsom salts to your bath, and make sure you’re getting enough magnesium and potassium.

You might be keeping your fluids up but you could be low in these minerals, particularly if you live in a warmer climate.

Stretch marks on buttocks during pregnancy

Most women worry about stretch marks appearing during pregnancy.

Stretch marks occur when the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres stretch.

They’re basically little scars, which might appear as reddish-purple streaks, which fade to a silvery-white later.

There are hundreds of products marketed to ‘prevent’ or ‘remove’ stretch marks.

The truth is, your skin will stretch as your body grows and changes.

The end result can be stretch marks on all areas of your body, such as your belly, butt, legs and even breasts.

Genetics plays a big part in whether or not you get stretch marks.

You can try to minimize them by avoiding rapid weight gain.

You should also stay well hydrated, and nourish your skin with a healthy diet; vitamin C is important for skin elasticity.

When to call your midwife or doctor

As you can see, there can be many causes for pregnancy-related butt pain.

Pain in buttocks during early pregnancy is less common than later in pregnancy.

Although it might be uncomfortable, it’s not usually harmful.

You might need to be medically reviewed if:

• Your pain becomes so severe it causes nausea or vomiting
• Pain, especially back pain, becomes increasingly worse (such as contraction pain)
• Pain isn’t resolved with treatment
• You’re taking any medication that is making the condition worse
• You have significant bleeding after a bowel movement.

If you are concerned about any symptoms you experience during pregnancy, don’t be embarrassed.

It’s always best to seek medical advice from your midwife or doctor.

Radiculitis (radiculopathy of the lumbosacral spine), types of radiculitis, diagnosis and treatment in Moscow

What is radiculopathy

Against the background of lumbar osteochondrosis, a disease such as radiculopathy of the lumbosacral spine very often develops. This is a clinical syndrome that occurs due to compression and damage to the nerve roots. Radiculitis is synonymous with radiculopathy.

Radiculitis (radiculopathy, from lat.radicula – root) is a disease of the peripheral nervous system of a person, which occurs as a result of damage, inflammation or pinching of the roots of the spinal nerves.

Radiculitis is a widespread disease, more than 10% of the population of our planet is over 40-50 years old, and in the last decade sciatica has become younger, occurs in the young age group from 25 to 35 years old, people involved in professional sports are especially susceptible, as well as those who sit at a computer or drive a car for a long time.

Causes of sciatica

The cause of the development of radiculitis is the pathological processes that occur in the spine, namely:

• Degenerative-dystrophic processes – osteochondrosis and its complications: protrusion and herniated intervertebral discs
• Malformations of the musculoskeletal system, accompanied by changes in muscle tone
• Posture disorders, curvature of the spine – scoliosis
• Incorrect distribution of physical loads on the spinal column during professional human activities (when driving a car, for office workers and loaders – with a long stay in one position, loaders)
• Sedentary lifestyle, in which blood supply to the muscles of the lumbar region gradually increases
• Improper drinking regime throughout the day and for several months
• Deficiency of vitamins and minerals leads to osteoporosis and trophic lesions of the nerve fiber
• Tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, chronic syphilis and other types of spinal cord infections
• Regular injuries of the vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues (impacts, sharp twisting, compression during jumping, sprains of the ligamentous apparatus)
• Overweight with obesity of 1-2 degrees and the presence of bad habits, such as smoking, abuse of tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages

Symptoms of sciatica

The first manifestation and the main permanent symptoms of sciatica of the lumbosacral spine are pain, impaired sensitivity and muscle weakness.

The affected area corresponds to the innervation area. Depending on the affected area, pain can be observed in the lumbar and gluteal regions, posterolateral and front of the thigh, along the antero-outer surface of the lower leg, on the back of the foot, big toe, in the gastrocnemius muscle, in the area of ​​the external ankle and heel.

Lumbosacral sciatica is often chronic, with acute relapses. Lumbosacral radiculitis is characterized by increased pain with a sharp change in the body from a horizontal position to a vertical one or vice versa, as well as when engaging in an active lifestyle (sports, walks, fitness classes).

Exacerbation of pain syndrome in radiculopathy of the lumbosacral region is noted when the inter-root nerve is compressed by an intervertebral hernia.

According to the types of radiculopathy of the lumbosacral spine, there are:

• Lumbago (lumbodynia) is an acute lower back pain during abrupt physical exertion, as well as provoked by overheating or hypothermia of the body. The painful attack itself can last in different ways: from several minutes to several hours or even days.The main reason for this type of radiculopathy is overstrain of the muscles of the lumbar region, intervertebral hernias or displacement of the vertebrae relative to each other.
• Sciatica (sciatica) – with this type of radiculitis, pain is localized in the buttock, on the back of the thigh and lower leg and can reach the foot. Sometimes, in addition to pain, muscle weakness is noted. This is due to damage or irritation to the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. Sciatica pain – shooting, like an electric shock, burning, tingling, “chills” and numbness are also possible.Pain sensations of varying degrees of intensity are possible: from mild to very intense, such that the patient cannot sleep, sit, stand, walk, bend over or turn.
• Lumboischialgia – back pain radiating to the leg or legs. With this type of radiculitis, pain spreads mainly along the buttock and along the posterior surface of the leg, without reaching the toes, most often it is aching, burning, growing pain.

Diagnostics

For the diagnosis of radiculopathy, the presence of tension symptoms is important.For example, the Lasegue symptom is characteristic – when you try to raise a straight leg while lying on your back, lower back pain increases.

An MRI or CT scan of the lumbosacral spine is important for making the correct diagnosis, because only these studies will allow the attending physician to detect the presence of diseases such as intervertebral hernias or other diseases of the spine (spondylitis, compression fractures, neoplasms).

Treatment of sciatica

The modern approach to the treatment of acute and chronic pain in radiculopathy of the lumbosacral spine is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants.The mechanism of their action: reduction of inflammation, pain intensity, removal of muscle spasm. Also, during remission of the disease, physiotherapeutic treatment is carried out (electrophoresis, amplipulse, darsonvalization)

Radiculitis – Clinic “Noosphere”

10% of the population over 40 years old suffer from sciatica. This is an inflammation of the nerve roots of the spinal cord. It develops quickly and often against the background of other diseases: osteochondrosis or intervertebral hernia.

How does the disease develop?

Depending on what caused the inflammation, the development of sciatica will differ.When it appears against the background of osteochondrosis (a disease of the intervertebral discs), the nerve roots are compressed by the contents of the nucleus pulposus that flowed out through the cracks in the annulus fibrosus.

Also, sciatica often occurs due to osteophytes. These are bony growths on the vertebrae that appear when the intervertebral discs narrow to compensate for height. Formations can squeeze nerve roots, a person feels pain. The inflammation develops sharply and quickly turns into a chronic form.

Types of pathology

Depending on in which part of the spine the inflammation is localized, the following types of radiculitis are distinguished:

1. Lumbosacral sciatica. This is the most common type of disease. Causes of sciatica in the lumbar spine: protrusion and hernia of the intervertebral disc, arthritis, compression fracture.
2. Cervical radiculitis. The disease develops in the cervical spine against the background of degeneration or protrusion of the disc, arthritis.
3. Cervicothoracic radiculitis.This form of the disease is less common due to the low mobility of the thoracic spine.

How is it manifested?

Different types of illness cause different symptoms.

If the lumbosacral region is affected, then the pain spreads to the lower back and buttocks. It radiates to the thigh, lower leg and foot. Most often, painful sensations occur during sudden movements: tilts, turns. If you continue to move, the pain will intensify. At night, she shoots, touches the leg or lower back.In the case of an advanced pathology, it is difficult for a person to walk and bend over, because his back hurts very much.

If sciatica occurs in the neck, then the pain is localized in the occiput, especially in the lower part of it. It often gives off to the shoulder or shoulder blade. With a sharp turn of the head, the most intense pain is felt. Aggravated by coughing, hand movements. May prick in neck or arm at night.

Thoracic sciatica “captures” the chest. It seems to a person that attacks of pain spread to the ribs and back.There is numbness of the limbs, slight tingling. There is a feeling of weakness in the muscles, not associated with physical activity.

What causes it?

The most common causes of sciatica are:

• osteochondrosis;
• intervertebral hernia of the thoracic, cervical or lumbar spine;
• trauma, a sharp turn of the body or head, lifting weights;
• stenosis of the spinal canal, foraminal stenosis;
• tumors, osteophytes;
• colds, overexertion of muscles and ligaments;
• allergy;
• hypothermia.

Consequences of delayed treatment

If you do not start to treat sciatica on time, it will become chronic. The pain will not constantly torment the patient, but any health disorder: infection, hypothermia, stress, lack of vitamins, etc. – will lead to exacerbation.

This causes muscle spasms, due to which the joints of the spine receive less nutrients. As a result, it breaks down faster.

If you start the underlying disease that caused sciatica, it will help lead to disability.For example, ignoring a herniated disc causes paralysis of the legs and disrupts the functioning of internal organs.

Also sciatica in a chronic form continues to develop. Thus, it affects most of the nerve root, and the sensitivity of the affected area of ​​the body is reduced. As a result – limb paralysis.

Diagnostic methods

If a person feels that the pain has not gone away for several days, and new symptoms appear: numbness, tingling in the legs, it is imperative to contact a specialist at our Noosphere clinic.We have modern equipment, and our doctors have vast experience. This allows for accurate diagnoses. The most informative methods for diagnosing sciatica:

• MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging
• Ultrasound examination (ultrasound)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Laboratory research.

How is sciatica treated in the Noosphere?

The doctors of our organization confirm that the initial stages of pathology are successfully treated, and without surgery.On the contrary, with sciatica, you need to act carefully so as not to further damage the nerves. Treatment in our clinic is aimed not only at relieving symptoms and getting rid of the disease, but also at maintaining overall back health.

Taking into account the history, stage and characteristics of the patient (age, gender, concomitant diseases), the doctor puts together an individual treatment program. It usually takes 3-6 weeks. The patient needs to visit treatment rooms every 2-3 days. After the first 2 days, the pain disappears.The following procedures are included in the course of therapy:

1. Resonant wave UHF therapy. Resonant wave therapy is a method of therapeutic action on the aquatic environment of the body with low-intensity high-frequency electromagnetic waves.
2. Fermatron pricks. Fermatron intra-articular injections are an effective method of treating various diseases of the musculoskeletal system by injecting a drug (chondroprotector) into the affected joint.
3. Rehabilitation with Thera-Band.Treatment of the spine and joints with the Thera-Band will restore limb mobility in a short period of time without expensive treatment in specialized sanatoriums.
4. Blockade of joints and spine. Joint blockade is a type of medical treatment of the spine and joints, aimed at relieving acute pain, relieving inflammation and muscle spasms.
5. Drug treatment. Medical treatment of joints and spine in the Noosphere clinic is used in a wide range and in combination with physiotherapy.Intra-articular injections, blockades and droppers.

After completing a course in the Noosphere, a person will feel a noticeable relief in the back, pain and swelling will go away, inflammation will be removed and will not disturb at night. As a result, blood circulation and metabolism are also improved. The pressure is getting better, the general well-being is getting better. Also important are the independent measures that the doctor tells the patients about.

How to avoid sciatica?

The doctors of our company recommend that people adhere to the following rules in order to prevent the development of sciatica:

• Go in for sports: walking, swimming, dancing.Moderate exercise strengthens the muscle corset and spine, helps to reduce pain;
• Give up jogging, barbell and dumbbell exercises, avoid jumping during sports;
• Sleep on a comfortable orthopedic mattress so that your head is level with your torso;
• go to the sauna regularly – it helps to remove salts, enhances blood circulation and metabolism;
• when working in one position, take a break every 1-2 hours.During rest, make several bends in different directions, circular movements with your head, knead your lower back with your hands;
• when working at a computer or desk, keep your head and back straight, lean on the back of a chair or chair;
• before lifting the load, sit down, keep your back straight. Lift the weight using the muscles in your arms and legs, not your lower back.

The important role of nutrition

To relieve sciatica attacks, a special non-strict diet is recommended.It is also great as a preventive measure.

Doctors recommend fractional and frequent meals. Most of the diet (approximately 2/3) should be fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, as well as steamed or boiled vegetables.

Any vegetables are useful, both in the form of salads, and on their own.

Important: you cannot eat canned vegetables, like the rest of the canned food!

Fish dishes are very useful – they contain trace elements that are useful for bone tissue, as well as animal protein, which is easy to digest.It is good to have grains and beans in your diet. Dried fruits are very useful.

Fatty and fried foods are unhealthy in principle, not to mention their dangers for those who suffer from sciatica. She should be excluded from the menu. Flour and confectionery will also do more harm than good. It is better to replace them with crispbread, whole grain bread, healthy sweets.

Use
alcohol should be strictly limited to a minimum amount, or completely abandoned.
Smoking is also unacceptable.

Sciatica, symptoms and treatment | A-Media Family Clinic

Radiculitis (radiculopathy) is an inflammatory process involving bundles of nerve fibers extending from the spinal cord. Sciatica is a general term for a set of symptoms that are associated with constriction and inflammation of the nerve roots, causing pain in the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness.

Sciatica is considered one of the most common diseases of the peripheral nervous system .

Experienced specialists treat radiculitis in our clinic. You just need to sign up for a consultation.

What are the causes of sciatica?

The risk group includes people who work in one position for a long time, lead a sedentary lifestyle and are professionally involved in sports.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, sciatica is a consequence of advanced osteochondrosis , and in 5-6% – the result of an old spinal injury, intervertebral hernia, wear of the spinal column and intervertebral discs, compression or pinching of the roots of the spinal nerves.Compression is caused by spinal deformities, which may be a consequence of osteochondrosis.

Stress, infections, metabolic disorders, sudden weight lifting and careless movements provoke attacks of sciatica.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

The main symptom of sciatica is severe pain that persists both during movement and at rest. Its location depends on the place where the spine is damaged.

There are several types of disease: cervical, thoracic and lumbar sciatica .

Cervical sciatica is characterized by pain in the neck, occiput, aggravated by head movements . Sometimes patients complain of nausea, dizziness, hearing impairment, change in gait .

Chest sciatica is characterized by pain that encircles the chest.

With lumbosacral radiculitis (sciatica) there is pain in the lower back, leg, buttocks. Often this type of radiculitis occurs against the background of hernias, compression fractures, arthritis, stenosis of the spinal canal, etc.

If you find yourself with the symptoms described, hurry to our clinic.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

Neuropathologists diagnose radiculitis. Our specialists usually make a diagnosis based on a comprehensive examination:

• studies of reflex activity and sensitivity at a doctor’s appointment;
• X-ray, which makes it possible to establish the degree of changes in the spine;
• MRI, CT, establishing the presence of root compression;
• electromyography (EMG), which determines the degree of damage to nerve fibers.

How is sciatica treated?

Treatment of radiculitis is therapeutic and surgical . It depends on the severity of the disease.

With the help of drug treatment, our doctors relieve inflammation, reduce tissue swelling and pain. Anti-inflammatory and pain relievers are used in injections and tablets. Locally, it is recommended to use warming, analgesic and anti-inflammatory ointments and creams.

In acute radiculitis, our clinic uses immunobilization for several days.Spinal traction, manual therapy, acupuncture are prescribed.

Physiotherapeutic procedures, warming up, massages, which can reduce pain, improve blood circulation in tissues, conduct impulses along nerve fibers, relieve muscle spasms and blocks, also show positive results. However, they should be used only on the recommendation of our doctor. Much depends on the cause of sciatica. If the pain is caused by muscle spasm, a warm bath will, of course, alleviate the condition, but with an inflammatory process, it will worsen.