Sciatica and Constipation: 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.