Can constipation cause sciatica?

6 replies

goodnessgraciousannie · 05/12/2023 07:28

Not a v nice subject sorry! Woken up this morning feeling like I need to go to the toilet but whenever I try I get really bad shooting pains in my left hand side. Pain is there a bit when I'm not going to the toilet but not as bad, just feels uncomfortable. Since I got the first pain my left leg has had non stop pins and needles and has gone a bit weak. What's the best thing I can take to help get rid of both?

OP posts:

stealtheatingtunnocks · 05/12/2023 07:31

Where is your tingling? Does it go as far as your bum and/or round your genitals or inner thigh?

QuestionableMouse · 05/12/2023 07:34

No, constipation should not be causing those symptoms.

You need to see a doctor, and quickly, especially if you have any numbness or tingling in your genitals. It could be cauda equina which is a medical emergency.

Original poster

goodnessgraciousannie · 05/12/2023 07:36

Non in my genitalia, it just goes right from my toes to the top of my thigh, slightly on my bum but not as bad there

OP posts:

Original poster

goodnessgraciousannie · 05/12/2023 07:37

*genitals

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summerdawn · 05/12/2023 07:51

Things like coughing, sneezing, vomiting and straining can all exacerbate sciatica so it is often normal that the straining (rather than the poo itself) is causing you sciatic pain. The emergency to rule out is cauda equina syndrome as mentioned by others and it would be a good idea to see a doctor to get a professional opinion on this but also to talk about best treatment.

I am sorry you’re having these symptoms and hope you feel better soon.

Do you usually suffer from constipation? If not, do you think you are truly constipated or is it that the shooting pain is stopping you from being able to push?

Are you able to pass urine as normal?

If you’re constipated then a laxative is a good idea; for the sciatic pain there are different painkiller options (anti-inflammatories, nerve pain medications, occasionally opiates though they’re used less and less) as well as physiotherapy. Some people find acupuncture and reputable chiropractors beneficial too. Pilates helps once out of the acute pain phase. Surgery is sometimes required (always in the case of cauda equina syndrome).

stealtheatingtunnocks · 05/12/2023 08:48

Phone nhs 24. They’ll ask you specifically about where the tingling is.

the reason you’ve got 3 answers of “rule out CE” is because time matters. It’s rare( it’s probably just you are bunged up and straining or even just sitting on the loo hurts, or that you’ve been taking painkillers which are constipating or whatever.

if it was me I’d be getting a medic to poke about a bit this morning to make sure it’s a simple issue.

don’t panic, but don’t faff about googling. Phone someone who can have a look.

Flip