--- title: "Constipation & Upper Back Pain Guide: Causes & Relief | Happy Family Chiropractic Juneau" description: "Explore how constipation can lead to upper back pain, symptoms, and effective relief options. Visit Happy Family Chiropractic for expert care today." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "Constipation & Upper Back Pain Guide: Causes & Relief", "description": "Explore how constipation can lead to upper back pain, symptoms, and effective relief options. Visit Happy Family Chiropractic for expert care today.", "image": "https://happyfamilychiropractic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chiropractor-GEO-Tag.jpg", "url": "https://happyfamilychiropractic.com/can-constipation-cause-upper-back-pain/", "datePublished": "June 24, 2024", "dateModified": "June 24, 2024", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Derek Larsen, DC", "url": "https://happyfamilychiropractic.com/meet-our-local-chiropractor-in-juneau/" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Happy Family Chiropractic", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://happyfamilychiropractic.com/images/logo.png" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://happyfamilychiropractic.com/can-constipation-cause-upper-back-pain/" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://happyfamilychiropractic.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://happyfamilychiropractic.com/chiropractic-patient-education-in-juneau/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Constipation & Upper Back Pain Guide: Causes & Relief", "item": "https://happyfamilychiropractic.com/can-constipation-cause-upper-back-pain/" } ] } ] --- Good news. We now accept select insurance plans for chiropractic care. Now accepting select insurance plans. [See accepted plans.](/insurance/) [![Happy Family Chiropractic](/assets/hfc-logo-main-1ekVAvtS.png)](/) [Chiropractic](/chiropractic-care-juneau-ak/) [Chiropractic Care in Juneau, AK](/chiropractic-care-juneau-ak/)[Family Chiropractor](/family-chiropractor-juneau/)[New Patient Visit](/new-patient-chiropractor-juneau/)[Full Body Adjustments](/full-body-chiropractic-adjustments-in-juneau/)[Neck Adjustments](/neck-adjustments-in-juneau/)[Back Adjustments](/back-adjustments-in-juneau/)[Prenatal Chiropractic](/prenatal-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Postpartum Chiropractic](/postpartum-chiropractic-in-juneau/)[Pediatric Chiropractic](/pediatric-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Sports Chiropractic](/sports-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[VA Chiropractic Care](/va-chiropractic-care-in-juneau/)[Wellness & Preventive Care](/wellness-preventive-chiropractic-in-juneau/) [Massage Therapy](/massage-therapy-juneau-ak/) [Massage Therapy in Juneau, AK](/massage-therapy-juneau-ak/)[Meet Our Massage Therapist](/massage-therapist-juneau/)[Therapeutic Massage](/therapeutic-massage-in-juneau/)[Deep Tissue Massage](/deep-tissue-massage-in-juneau/)[Sports Massage](/sports-massage-in-juneau/)[Prenatal Massage](/prenatal-massage-in-juneau/)[Trigger Point Therapy](/trigger-point-therapy-in-juneau/) Conditions [Neck Pain](/neck-pain-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Back Pain](/back-pain-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Headaches & Migraines](/headache-migraine-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Sciatica](/sciatica-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Shoulder Pain](/shoulder-pain-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Hip Pain](/hip-pain-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Knee Pain](/knee-pain-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Numbness & Tingling](/numbness-tingling-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[TMJ](/tmj-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Pregnancy Discomfort](/pregnancy-discomfort-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Car Accident Injury](/car-accident-injury-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Work Injury](/work-injury-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Sports Injury](/sports-injury-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Slip & Fall Injury](/slip-fall-injury-chiropractor-in-juneau/) About [About Us](/about/)[Meet Our Team](/meet-our-team/)[Dr. Derek Larsen](/meet-our-local-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Dr. Birger Baastrup](/dr-birger-baastrup-chiropractor-in-juneau/)[Lani Lumbab, LMT](/lani-lumbab-massage-therapist-in-juneau/)[Cassandra Dunn, LMT](/cassandra-dunn-massage-therapist-in-juneau/) Resources [Insurance](/insurance/)[Patient Education](/chiropractic-patient-education-in-juneau/)[At Home Exercises](/at-home-exercises/)[Reviews](/reviews/) [Book Now Book an Appointment ](/book-appointment/)[(907) 202-8817](tel:+19072028817) [Conditions Explained](/blog/category/conditions-explained/)[education](/blog/category/education/) # Constipation & Upper Back Pain Guide: Causes & Relief [![](/images/team-derek.jpg)Dr. Derek Larsen, DC ](/author/dr-derek-larsen/)| June 24, 2024 | 5 min read ![Constipation & Upper Back Pain Guide: Causes & Relief - Happy Family Chiropractic Juneau Alaska](https://happyfamilychiropractic.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Chiropractor-GEO-Tag.jpg) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Blog](/chiropractic-patient-education-in-juneau/) 3. Constipation & Upper Back Pain Guide: Causes & Relief Share [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fhappyfamilychiropractic.lovable.app%2Fcan-constipation-cause-upper-back-pain)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhappyfamilychiropractic.lovable.app%2Fcan-constipation-cause-upper-back-pain) \- Facebook - Gmail - LinkedIn - Pinterest - Twitter While constipation is typically associated with digestive discomfort, it can also manifest as upper back pain. Understanding this connection can help you effectively address both digestive and muscular issues, ultimately leading to improved overall health and well-being. Let’s dive in and uncover the intriguing relationship between constipation and upper back pain. ## An Overview on Constipation Constipation is a common gastrointestinal issue characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools. While occasional bouts of constipation are normal, chronic constipation can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Understanding the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of constipation is essential for effective management and prevention. ### Causes and Risk Factors for Constipation \- Dietary Factors: A diet low in fiber and fluids can contribute to constipation by slowing down the digestive process and making stools harder to pass. - Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles can lead to decreased bowel motility, making it more challenging to pass stools regularly. - Medications: Certain medications can cause constipation as a side effect. - Medical Conditions: Chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism, diabetes, and neurological disorders can disrupt normal bowel function, leading to constipation. - Ignoring the Urge: Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement can weaken the muscles in the rectum and lead to constipation over time. - Changes in Routine: Traveling, changes in daily routine, or disruptions to regular meal times can disrupt bowel habits and contribute to constipation. - Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect the digestive system and exacerbate symptoms of constipation. ### Symptoms of Constipation \- Infrequent bowel movements - Difficulty passing stools - Incomplete evacuation - Abdominal discomfort - Rectal blockage - Rectal bleeding ## The Connection Between Constipation and Upper Back Pain Can being constipated cause back pain? While the association between constipation and digestive discomfort is well-known, fewer people may be aware of the potential link between constipation and back pain, particularly in the upper back region. However, several mechanisms exist that can explain how constipation may contribute to back pain. ### Referred Pain The nerves that supply the gastrointestinal tract and the back converge at the same levels of the spinal cord. When there is irritation or inflammation in the intestines due to constipation, these shared nerves can transmit signals that are interpreted as pain in the back. This phenomenon is known as referred pain, where pain is perceived in an area further from the actual source of the problem. ### Muscle Tension and Spinal Misalignment Chronic constipation can lead to increased abdominal pressure, which may result in muscle tension in the lower back as the body compensates for the discomfort. Additionally, straining during bowel movements can place stress on the muscles and ligaments of the back, potentially leading to muscle spasms or spinal misalignment, which can manifest as upper back pain. ### Postural Changes Individuals experiencing constipation may unknowingly adopt poor posture in an attempt to alleviate discomfort or strain while sitting or standing. Over time, these postural changes can contribute to muscle imbalances and spinal misalignment, which may lead to upper back pain. ### Viscerosomatic Reflex The intestines have a close neurological connection with the spinal cord and brainstem. When there is dysfunction or irritation in the gastrointestinal system, it can trigger a reflex response in the spinal cord known as a viscerosomatic reflex. This reflex can lead to altered muscle function and pain perception in various areas of the body, including the back. ### Psychological Factors Chronic constipation can be frustrating and uncomfortable, leading to stress, anxiety, or depression in some individuals. These psychological factors can exacerbate muscle tension and increase sensitivity to pain, potentially contributing to or worsening back pain. ## Preventing and Managing Constipation-Related Back Pain Preventing and managing constipation-related back pain involves addressing both the gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal aspects of the issue. Here are some strategies to help alleviate constipation and reduce associated back pain: \- Maintain a Healthy Diet - Establish Regular Bowel Habits - Stay Physically Active - Manage Stress - Consider Dietary Supplements - Seek Professional Help ## How a Chiropractor Can Help Manage Upper Back Pain From Constipation When it comes to addressing back pain associated with constipation, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach that focuses on restoring proper spinal alignment, alleviating muscle tension, and promoting overall musculoskeletal health. Here are several reasons why seeking care from a chiropractor can be beneficial. ### Targeted Treatment Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain. They can perform a thorough evaluation to identify any spinal misalignments, muscle imbalances, or joint dysfunctions contributing to your back pain. ### Spinal Adjustments Through gentle spinal adjustments, chiropractors can restore proper alignment and mobility to the spine, relieving pressure on the nerves and reducing back pain. These adjustments can also help improve nerve function, promoting better communication between the brain and the rest of the body. ### Muscle Relaxation Techniques Chiropractors utilize various techniques — such as soft tissue manipulation, massage therapy, and therapeutic exercises — to relax tight muscles, reduce muscle spasms, and improve flexibility in the affected areas of the back. ### Preventive Care In addition to providing relief from existing symptoms, chiropractic care emphasizes preventive measures to maintain spinal health and prevent future episodes of back pain. By addressing underlying issues early on and incorporating regular chiropractic adjustments into your wellness routine, you can reduce the risk of recurrent back pain and enjoy long-term musculoskeletal health. ## Final Thoughts The connection between constipation and upper back pain highlights the interaction between the digestive and musculoskeletal systems. By understanding the connection and using preventive strategies, you can effectively manage both constipation and back pain to improve your overall quality of life. At Happy Family Chiropractic , our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care to address your specific needs and concerns. With our expertise in spinal health and holistic approach to wellness, we can help you find relief from back pain associated with constipation and restore balance to your body. Don’t let discomfort hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Take the first step toward a healthier, happier you by booking an appointment with Happy Family Chiropractic today. \- Facebook - Gmail - LinkedIn - Pinterest - Twitter ### Continue Reading [ ![Illustration of temporomandibular joint and its connection to neck pain](/images/blog-tmj-neck-pain.png) #### Understanding TMJ and Neck Pain: Causes and Treatments September 12, 2025 ](/understanding-tmj-and-neck-pain-causes-and-treatments/)[ ![Stretching exercises for neck and shoulder pain relief demonstrated by chiropractor](/images/blog-neck-shoulder-pain.png) #### Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief: Tips and Exercises August 12, 2025 ](/neck-and-shoulder-pain-relief-tips-and-exercises/)[ ![Chiropractic treatment options for neck pain relief](/images/blog-treating-neck-pain.png) #### Treating Neck Pain: At-Home and Professional Remedies July 12, 2025 ](/treating-neck-pain-at-home-and-professional-remedies/) ![Dr. Derek Larsen DC at Happy Family Chiropractic in Juneau Alaska](/images/team-derek.jpg) ### Dr. Derek Larsen, DC Founder and Chiropractor Founder of Happy Family Chiropractic and the lead chiropractor in Juneau, Alaska. Dr. Derek focuses on family, prenatal, pediatric, and sports chiropractic care. [View profile](/author/dr-derek-larsen/) ### Experience Chiropractic Live in Juneau and want to feel the benefits of chiropractic care? Schedule today. [Schedule an Appointment](/book-appointment/) ### Visit Us 800 Glacier Ave, Juneau, Alaska. We're open Monday through Friday. [Book an Appointment](/book-appointment/) ![Happy Family Chiropractic](/assets/hfc-logo-white-voZj0riv.png) Your path to feeling like yourself again, through expert chiropractic care, massage therapy, and a team that genuinely likes their job. ### VISIT - 800 Glacier Ave Juneau, AK 99801 - Mon to Fri, 9am to 6pm ### REACH US - [(907) 202-8817](tel:+19072028817) - [Book online](/book-appointment/) ### EXPLORE - [Chiropractic](/services/chiropractic) - [Massage](/services/massage-therapy/) - [Insurance](/insurance/) - [Blog](/chiropractic-patient-education-in-juneau/) - [About](/about/) © 2026 Happy Family Chiropractic. Made with care in Juneau. Website Design by [Blue Fox Marketing](https://www.gobluefox.com/). · [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy/)[Terms](/terms-and-conditions/)[Fee Schedule](/fee-schedule/) [](#)[](#) \- Happy Family Chiropractic “Dr Larsen was very compassionate and excellent.”  — Samantha Whetsell , in the last 2 weeks X by Aloha