One-Sided Back Pain And Constipation: What’s The Connection?

by Eric Bakker N.D.

Constipation can cause abdominal pain anywhere in the front of the abdomen. You can also get discomfort on the sides with sluggish bowels. Back pain, including one-side back pain, can stem from constipation. However, one-sided back pain can also be coming from the kidney. If you’ve got pain in one flank, just to the side of the spine, it could be kidney pain. Kidney pain is often described as a low, dull, aching sensation. The chances that it is kidney related increase if you notice blood in your urine or have painful urination.

Problems with the kidneys and constipation can occur at the same time. The kidneys are elimination organs. If the bowels are not working properly, the kidneys are also going to suffer.

If you have one-side back pain, my recommendation is to go straight to the doctor and get it checked out. It’s important to have a blood test and to be checked out. It’s always better to catch a problem early. You want to see if you have a kidney infection, kidney stones, or perhaps severe constipation that requires medical intervention. The doctor may need to do an ultrasound to examine your kidneys or an abdominal Xray to assess the extent of your constipation.

Further readings:

Whenever you have pain, it’s a warning that something is not right. Like your car, you’ve got lights flashing on your dash, and you should act on it straight away; otherwise, you could be up for a big repair bill.

The bottom line? One-sided back pain may be due to constipation, but it could be related to your kidney. Also, remember that any pain that goes on for more than a day is a reason to seek medical attention.

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About Eric Bakker N.D.

Eric Bakker ND has completed almost ten years of study and has almost almost 25 years of clinical experience in natural and integrative forms of medicine, and has pursued continuous post-graduate study in Australia, America, India as well as in New Zealand.

Eric is the past Vice President of the NZ Natural Medicine Association and is currently on their editorial advisory board.