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Constipation pain

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Constipation pain occurs due to difficult movement of feces. The problem can arise at any age. Even newborns suffer from such symptoms. It is believed that this pathology is most common in children. Therefore, it is important to know the main causes of this problem and methods for eliminating it.

ICD-10 code

The International Classification of Diseases includes absolutely all ailments. But each disease is designated by its own unique code. Intestinal diseases are marked K00-93. K00-K93 Diseases of the digestive system. This group includes certain ailments. K00-K14 Diseases of the oral cavity, salivary glands and jaws. K20-K31 Diseases of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, K35-K38 Diseases of the appendix (vermiform appendix). K40-K46 Hernias. K50-K52 Non-infectious enteritis and colitis. K55-K63 Other intestinal diseases. K65-K67 Diseases of the peritoneum. K70-K77 Diseases of the liver. K80-K87 Diseases of the gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. K90-K93 Other diseases of the digestive system.

Category K55-K63 includes other bowel diseases. K55 Vascular bowel diseases (Atherosclerosis of the mesenteric arteries).

K56 Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia (Intestinal obstruction). K57 Diverticular disease of the intestine (Diverticular disease, Diverticular disease of the intestine, Diverticula of the stomach and duodenum). K58 Irritable bowel syndrome (Irritable bowel syndrome). K59 Other functional intestinal disorders. K60 Fissure and fistula of the anus and rectum (Anal fissure, Chronic paraproctitis). K61 Abscess of the anus and rectum (Acute paraproctitis). K62 Other diseases of the anus and rectum.

K63 Other diseases of intestine. K63.0 Intestinal abscess (interintestinal abscess). K63.1 Intestinal perforation (non-traumatic). K63.2 Intestinal fistula. K63.3 Intestinal ulcer. K63.4 Enteroptosis.

K63.8 Other specified diseases of intestine. K63.9 Disease of intestine, unspecified.

K63.8 Other specified diseases of intestine. K00-K93 Diseases of the digestive system. K55-K63 Other diseases of intestine. K63 Other diseases of intestine. K63.8.0 Dysbacteriosis.

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Causes of pain during constipation

There are quite a few factors influencing this process. Thus, there are several main classifications of the disease and each of them occurs due to its own causes. The first type of constipation is alimentary. It is caused by insufficient intake of plant fiber into the body. It is found in large quantities in vegetables and fruits. The problem may also be associated with insufficient fluid intake. This significantly slows down the process of defecation and leads to pain.

The second type of constipation is hypokinetic. It is typical for people who move very little. This is due to sedentary work. This group includes bedridden patients.

The third type is reflexive. It is observed due to problems with the digestive system.

The fourth type is toxic. It occurs against the background of severe intoxication of the body with chemicals. Long-term use of certain medications can lead to its appearance. These can be antispasmodics.

The fifth type is endocrine. It develops due to decreased activity of the thyroid gland or ovaries.

The sixth type is mechanical. It is caused by the presence of an obstruction in the large intestine. These can be scars or a tumor.

Naturally, constipation and the pain associated with it are not only due to the above factors. Often the cause lies in constant nervousness. Depression, trauma and neuroses inhibit bowel function. Thus, there are cases when a person is unable to go to the toilet on time, because of this constipation "occurs". Improper nutrition and an inactive lifestyle lead to this ailment.

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Pathogenesis

The development of the disease can be based on three main mechanisms; they can occur both together and in isolation from each other.

The first type means increased absorption of water, which occurs in the large intestine. The second type is a fairly slow movement of feces. The third type is a person's inability to defecate. Comparison of these mechanisms with symptoms allows us to determine where in the intestine the problem is. Dense feces are formed in the area where the fastest absorption of fluid occurs. If a person does not feel the urge, it is likely that the sensitivity of the receptor analysis has been impaired. Changes in food preferences can cause this process. Even emotional stress affects this. Most often, constipation bothers pregnant women and children. This is due to physiological changes and other food.

If a person is in a hospital, the problem arises due to a permanent sedentary lifestyle. Temporary constipation does not always mean the presence of a serious disease, even if everything is accompanied by painful sensations. Everything can arise due to a specific lifestyle, neuralgic factors, endocrine diseases.

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Abdominal pain with constipation

If a person constantly ignores the urge to defecate, the emergence of problems is simply guaranteed. An incomplete visit to the toilet, due to certain circumstances, entails similar symptoms. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to everything. It is enough to drink little liquid to provoke a problem. Stress, changes in mood and lifestyle make their contribution. Such medications as antidepressants and diuretics can provoke the problem. In a breastfed baby, everything arises against the background of the introduction of complementary foods.

Sometimes, pain and constipation can indicate a serious problem. Pay special attention to the following signs. Diarrhea, which suddenly changes to constipation, is dangerous, this indicates the presence of irritable bowel syndrome. If the problem is accompanied by a high temperature, most likely the matter is the presence of diverticulitis. The consistency of feces should alert you. Especially if it has the form of ribbons, thin tubes or balls. If only mucus comes out during defecation, this is a very bad sign. Perhaps the problem lies in serious inflammatory processes and even the formation of a tumor.

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Pain in the lower abdomen due to constipation

Chronic course of the disease is often accompanied by general malaise. A person is plagued by fatigue, stomach pain, and headaches are not uncommon. Sometimes the skin changes its shade to earthy. A dirty coating appears on the tongue. Toxic products that are in the body simply do not have time to leave it, so anemia may develop. Immunity suffers no less. Hypovitaminosis conditions often develop. If constipation is caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures, the problem is accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen. During defecation, a small amount of blood may be released.

Suppressing the desire to go to the toilet often leads to the intestinal walls being overstrained. Therefore, ignoring the entire process is fraught with serious consequences. Hemorrhoids aggravate the condition and lead to pain.

Tumors and diseases associated with metabolic disorders can lead to the development of symptoms. Pain and constipation are typical for pregnant girls. All sudden changes in life and significant stress have a negative effect. In children, the problem develops against the background of the introduction of new foods into the diet.

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Pain in the right side with constipation

Such symptoms are typical for stomach diseases, including gastritis. It is characterized by dull periodic pain in the right side. They can occur both before eating and a couple of hours after a meal. These symptoms are also possible on an empty stomach. In this case, patients may complain of lack of appetite, annoying belching of sour air, constipation.

The pain may radiate to the shoulder blade or back. This is typical for duodenitis. The person suffers from vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, and often bitter belching.

With a duodenal ulcer, the main symptom is pain in the right side. Moreover, it can have a varied character, from aching to cramping. This condition is accompanied by certain symptoms. These include nausea, vomiting, belching and constipation.

A hernia of the esophageal orifice of the diaphragm and hepatitis can lead to these symptoms. These are acute conditions characterized by pain, weight loss, and pallor. With hepatitis, weakness, jaundice, and liver inflammation appear. All these phenomena can be accompanied by problems with defecation.

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Lower back pain due to constipation

Such diseases as inflammation of the appendages, pyelonephritis and gynecological problems in women can cause this phenomenon. By the way, inflammation of the uterus often goes hand in hand with intestinal problems. Often, a disorder in one system entails consequences for another.

Sharp pain in the lower abdomen can be caused by renal colic or appendicitis. It is important to diagnose the problem correctly and in time. Shooting pain indicates the presence of radiculitis. Growing discomfort can be a symptom of tuberculosis.

Often these symptoms bother pregnant women. This is especially pronounced in the third trimester. This problem can bother people with excess weight.

Generally speaking, there can be many reasons for such symptoms and the problem is not always harmless. It is important to diagnose the problem in time and start fighting it.

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Headache with constipation

The appearance of a headache indicates sluggish bowel function. Most likely, this is caused by a stop in the transportation of food. This process completely stops the flow of all important functions. Therefore, the body is overflowing with poisons that need to be removed, but there is no way to do this. As a result, various kinds of ailments begin to appear.

People who suffer from constant constipation often complain of migraines. Persistent constipation can lead to serious consequences. It can lead to a rupture of the mucous membrane, as well as its inflammation.

In order to get rid of unpleasant symptoms, it is enough to simply include a normal amount of vegetables and fruits in the diet. The fiber contained in them will provoke normal bowel function and eliminate unpleasant symptoms. It is important to eat yogurts, eat little meat and drink enough water. All this will only lead to normal bowel function.

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Leg pain due to constipation

This can occur against the background of a common malaise. For example, a person is plagued by constipation, harmful substances are not eliminated from the body, and his condition worsens.

Various diseases can also provoke this phenomenon. These include porphyric polyneuropathy. The pathogenesis of this disease has not been established. Attacks of the disease can begin with minor painful sensations in the stomach. Often, everything is accompanied by pain in the legs and constipation. In extremely severe cases, paralysis is observed. Complete disappearance of reflexes is possible.

This condition can occur due to the use of certain medications, especially barbiturates. Acute infections of the body, starvation and even menstruation can provoke the disease. A characteristic sign of the disease is a change in the color of urine to a dark red hue.

Often these symptoms are found in mental disorders. A person cannot control himself, he is bothered by pain in the limbs and problems with the intestines. In any case, if these symptoms appear, you should consult a specialist.

Constipation pain in pregnant women

If you do not try to eliminate the problem, it can spread to the limbs. It is usually acute. The woman is bothered by discomfort, as if she was pierced with a blunt object. This should make the expectant mother go to see a gastroenterologist. He will tell you about possible ways to solve the problem.

Today, there are several ways to cope with the problem. Doctors strongly recommend drinking more fluids. Naturally, you need to watch the food you eat. This type of "treatment" is famous for its effectiveness. After all, constipation in pregnant women occurs due to the restructuring of the body.

Many women experience back pain when constipated. This may indicate an increased level of excretion of feces that are stored in the intestines. This problem becomes more noticeable because a new life is developing and growing inside the woman. The usual pain can also occur with an uncomfortable position, as well as sitting on an uncomfortable chair.

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Diagnosis of pain due to constipation

Chronic constipation is diagnosed in several successive stages. So, first of all, the person learns the symptoms that bother him, pays attention to complaints, anamnesis. Naturally, one cannot do without a physical examination. A full picture of what is happening is supplemented by an X-ray examination. It allows you to assess the real state of the intestine, its work and determine congenital anomalies. Irrigoscopy is actively carried out. It allows you to identify the presence of intestinal obstruction.

The second stage of the examination is represented by a number of other measures. These include colonoscopy. The procedure requires special preparation. A person must follow a special diet for two days. In this case, all products that develop gas formation are excluded. First of all, these are carbonated drinks, legumes and chocolate. After which a cleansing enema is performed. Only then can a colonoscopy be performed and the intestines examined.

An important role is played by taking biopsy samples and cytological examination. After that, it is recommended to check the functional state of the intestine. For this, samples are taken for the presence of bacteria, as well as occult blood. Manometry methods of muscle walls and laboratory tests are carried out. This allows us to identify any functional disorders.

The attending physician decides which diagnostic method to use based on the patient's examination and complaints. Sometimes a complete picture of what is happening is necessary.

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Tests for pain during constipation

In case of problems with stool, feces are actively studied. Normally, it should have a smell corresponding to the food consumed. Usually, it is a non-specific aroma, but if it changes, most likely, there is some anomaly.

If there is a weak smell, it is possible to diagnose a difficulty in digestive reactions. This condition is typical for constipation, as well as accelerated removal of contents from the intestine. A sour smell indicates the presence of fermentation dyspepsia. A mild "aroma" is ulcerative colitis. With a putrid smell, it is possible to diagnose a disorder in the digestive tract. A foul "aroma" indicates problems with the pancreas.

Special attention is also paid to the color. White shade shows blockage of the bile duct. Light yellow shade – pathologies associated with the pancreas. Yellow color – obvious disorders in the functioning of the digestive organs are possible. Red shade – obvious inflammation of the intestinal mucosa.

The presence of protein in the stool and other foreign materials is also determined. Based on these analyses, a diagnosis is made. Naturally, for a complete picture, many of the above diagnostic procedures must be carried out.

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Instrumental diagnostics

The diagnostic approach of this method is determined mainly depending on the anamnesis. Examination of the patient also plays a major role. Instrumental diagnostics is an X-ray performed in the abdominal cavity. For this, the patient is placed in a vertical position. Rectomanoscopy is widely used. This study allows you to study the features of the colon. Colonoscopy is actively used, but the procedure requires special preparation and is not the most pleasant. In its effectiveness, it knows no bounds.

If there is a suspicion of obstruction, an extensive X-ray is performed. When the diagnosis is confirmed, the existing fluid level in the intestinal loops is revealed. In case of complete obstruction, swollen segments of the intestine will be visible. This process is provoked by excessive gas formation. The attending physician will tell you more about the procedures. Usually, one of the described methods is used.

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Differential diagnostics

This method includes a number of different procedures. They all differ from each other in the disease that needs to be identified. So, if there is a suspicion of dynamic obstruction, thyroid hormones in the blood serum are actively studied. This phenomenon can easily be provoked by the presence of mass pneumonia, acute pancreatitis or pyelonephritis.

If there is a suspicion of mechanical obstruction, it is necessary to immediately begin surgical elimination of the problem. The exact location of the pathology is determined using colonoscopy. If nothing can be identified, an X-ray contrast study of the small intestine is performed. Barium suspension is used for this procedure. Although this method is considered unsafe.

For a complete picture of the ongoing process, it is necessary to examine the feces for the presence of foreign objects and parasites. Blood is not donated, there is no need for this.

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Treatment for constipation pain

Treatment of unpleasant symptoms depends on the reason for their occurrence. If the problem is due to poor nutrition, it is enough to simply adjust your diet. You should exclude foods that cause excessive gas formation and heavy foods. Usually, these are fried, floury and sweet foods of any kind. Carbonated drinks and alcohol are prohibited. You should eat more raw vegetables and fruits. Foods rich in fiber will never cause problems with stool. If following these rules does not give any result, you should move on to another method of eliminating the problem.

It is quite possible that constipation was caused by the presence of a disease. Treatment in this case is medicinal. These can be antispasmodics, laxatives, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Detailed information about this method of treatment will be provided below. As for surgical intervention, it is carried out extremely rarely.

Medicines for constipation pain

Herbal preparations based on senna grass are actively used. These include such medications as Senalex, Gerbion and Regulax. They should be used with extreme caution. Significantly exceeding the dose can lead to the leaching of beneficial bacteria from the intestines. Children, pregnant women and people with increased hypersensitivity to the main component should not resort to using these products. Severe diarrhea occurs as side effects, and damage is also caused to the liver. One sachet or cube is used per day.

Bisacodyl preparations are used. They are usually presented as Dulcolax suppositories. The active phase occurs 6-12 hours after the suppository is inserted. The dosage is prescribed individually. Usually one "capsule" is enough. Suppositories should not be used by women during pregnancy. Side effects include abdominal cramps and flatulence.

Picosulfate preparations are widely used. These are Slabicap, Guttalax, Guttasil. They have the same effect, which occurs 10-12 hours after administration. 5-10 drops diluted in water are enough. Laxatives of this type significantly increase the amount of fluid in the intestines and lead to its emptying.

Lactulose preparations are applicable. These are Goodluck, Romfalk, Normase. Their work is a little slow. Because the main effect is observed 1-2 days after taking. Medicines often lead to flatulence, provoke the removal of potassium from the body. It can be used even in case of liver failure, can eliminate dysbacteriosis.

There is also a combination drug called Microlax. It is a mini-enema. It starts working literally in 5-15 minutes. Pregnant girls should use it with caution. It is used only in acute cases.

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Folk remedies

Traditional medicine has always been famous for its effectiveness. However, before resorting to these methods, it is worth consulting a doctor. After all, at least you need to know the reason for the pain.

Recipe 1. Take some whole flax seeds and pour boiling water over them. Then shake everything well for 15 minutes. Then strain and squeeze the resulting decoction. Take a quarter of a glass up to 3 times a day. It is advisable to do this after meals. The remedy has excellent sedative properties.

Recipe 2. Take about 20 grams of buckthorn bark and pour a glass of boiling water over the ingredient. Then place it in a water bath for about 30 minutes. The process must be observed and the contents constantly stirred. Then cool the decoction, strain and drink half a glass at night. This is a unique laxative.

Recipe 3. Crushed rhubarb roots should be poured with 70% alcohol. Moreover, in a ratio of 1:5. Then place in a cool place and keep there for 12 days. Before use, the product should be filtered. It should be consumed by a teaspoon up to 3 times a day.

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Herbal treatment

Sometimes herbal treatment has a better effect than taking medications. Thus, hay grass is great for dealing with stool problems. It is enough to take two tablespoons of this ingredient and mix them with prunes. You need to take 100 grams of the latter component. The resulting mixture is poured with three glasses of boiling water. After that, everything needs to be left alone for about 3 hours and filtered. You can use the miracle cure every hour, 3 tablespoons, until the intestines start working. There are no contraindications for using this method. Usually, the active phase is observed within 10 hours after taking. Very rarely, hay can lead to abdominal pain or reduce appetite. The plant must be used in the form of decoctions, infusions and extracts.

A good effect is provided by taking an infusion of dandelion roots. To do this, take 2 teaspoons of the main ingredient and pour in water at room temperature. Then leave it alone for 9 hours. Then the remedy can be taken half a glass up to 4 times a day.

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Homeopathy for constipation pain

Homeopathic medicines should be taken with special caution. The method has a number of recommendations for people with constant problems with stool.

Thus, the remedy Sulfuris is able to normalize portal blood circulation. This condition is characterized by the presence of hemorrhoids or itching in the anus. If a person has pronounced hemorrhoids, resort to the help of Aesculus hippocastanum.

Nux vomica helps in cases where interesting anomalies occur with the intestinal motility. The rectum tries to throw out its contents, but the sphincter, on the contrary, contracts and does not allow it to come out. The person complains of a strong desire to defecate, but it does not happen. Over time, the problem worsens, and the intestines feel constantly full.

To help cope with fruitless urges, Anacardium will help. It will provide relief. It is used by people who complain of increased symptoms during meals. This may indicate the presence of atonic constipation.

Lycopodium is useful in eliminating the problem. It copes with the flatulence that occurs immediately after eating. The patient's stools are hard and small. Often the urge has no effect. The patient suffers from belching.

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Surgical treatment

A surgical solution to the problem is practically not applicable. After all, the problem may not be complex. If we are talking about a pregnant girl, then the symptoms develop against the background of changes occurring in her body. Over time, the symptoms may intensify due to the growth of the fetus. With the permission of the doctor, you can resort to drug treatment.

In most cases, the problem arises due to poor nutrition. A person just needs to adjust their diet and that's it. Remove prohibited products from it and start eating normally. The problem will recede. It is worth excluding alcohol, chocolate and legumes.

Surgical intervention is applicable in case of acute intestinal obstruction. In this case, no medications are able to give the necessary effect. The decision on the appointment of surgical intervention is made by the attending physician. But initially, attempts are made to eliminate the symptoms with the help of medications.

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Complications

Constipation of a permanent nature can lead to a lot of complications. Thus, secondary colitis and inflammation of the rectum are not excluded. If feces are in the body for a long time, then their return to the cecum is possible with the further development of enteritis.

The problem can be complicated by diseases of the biliary tract, as well as hepatitis. Long-term problems with stool lead to diseases of the rectum. The most common complication is hemorrhoids. The patient complains of pain in the anus, they are not excluded after defecation. All accompanied by bleeding and prolapse of nodes.

The disease can lead to the development of cracks and inflammation. Often, prolapse of the rectum occurs. Elongation of the colon, cancer - all this can be provoked by the usual inability to go to the toilet. Therefore, it is worthwhile to start fighting the problem in time and not allow it to progress.

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Prevention

To improve bowel function, you need to provide the body with the necessary components. First of all, you should worry about a balanced diet. The daily diet should be filled with fiber. For this, it is recommended to eat foods such as vegetables, fruits and cereals. Whole grain bread and bran will also do.

Often, problems with stool are caused by an acute lack of fluid in the body. Therefore, it is normal to drink 1.5 liters of water. This figure does not include tea, coffee and other liquids.

A sedentary lifestyle is the main criterion for the development of constipation. It is necessary to constantly move in order to stimulate the intestines. In no case should you hold back the urge. Such delays are fraught with serious consequences. It is also worth paying attention to the medications you are taking. Usually, sorbents and iron-based products significantly block the work of the stomach and the entire digestive system.

A simple change of environment can lead to a problem. Therefore, it is important to accustom the body to a certain rhythm of work. This will eliminate possible problems with the intestines. Finally, it is necessary to eliminate problems with the digestive organs in a timely manner.

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Forecast

Usually, when problems with stool occur, the prognosis is favorable. After all, the reasons are hidden in a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, etc. It is enough to simply take charge of your own life and the unpleasant symptoms will recede.

During pregnancy, it is impossible to eliminate the symptoms, but this does not mean that the prognosis is unfavorable. Usually, all this is associated with a significant increase in the fetus and significant changes in the body.

If the condition is caused by intestinal obstruction or fecal peritonitis, the prognosis is not so favorable. If medications are ineffective, everything will have to be eliminated surgically. This is especially dangerous for the elderly. In other cases, the prognosis is favorable. However, it is impossible to guarantee a 100% positive outcome. After all, much depends on the reason for which problems with stool arose and the severity of symptoms. A doctor will be able to answer this question accurately after high-quality diagnostics and treatment.

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