Back Problems and IBS

I have struggled with back problems for a very long time. Basically, a combination of sports-related injury in my "early years" (lol) and just plain getting older.

IBS provides several different challenges that make the back issues even worse. Sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, concentrating on the IBS and how it makes me feel, and lack of exercise are the main issues.

Needing getting treatment for my back

I tend to focus on the IBS instead of taking the medication and seeing the doctors, and getting the treatment I need for my back. Why? Because when my flares are bad and I am in so much discomfort from the IBS, I tend to get myopic and only think about IBS.

Sooo...I suffer more. What’s more is that sometime during the COVID lockup, I developed sciatic problems as well. If you’ve never experienced sciatic pain, I don’t wish it on you. It’s worse than the standard lower back pain. So, not only are you bent over from the back, but you are in intense pain that (in my case) runs from the lower back all the way down to the knee.

Adding back pain to IBS pain

Throw in some IBS (or a lot) and you are one miserable person. How does somebody deal with this even though it seems to sap every last ounce of strength?

What I try to realize is that you shouldn’t pile pain upon pain. Deal with both problems separately. I think we all have our various ways of dealing with our own particular brand of IBS. Diet, exercise, doctor, water, medication, therapy and prayer. This is my methodology. Yours may be different.

Many of the ways I deal with IBS also help with back pain

Now, most of these things can also help with the back issues. Strengthen your core with however much you can handle with light exercise. Acupuncture works very well as does massage. Both of these thing also work wonder my IBS and I have been relying on them for a long time. But, like exercise, goes by the wayside when you are in pain. I NEED to go to the chiropractor. Ice and heat, heat and ice. Another treatment that I like for IBS as well. I’m not even sure the actual medical reason it makes me feel better, but it does.

It doesn’t take that much and like I said, a lot of it really does make the body feel better, which, in turn, makes the IBS flare ups less intense. It is a lot of work, but if you have more than one illness, and I have more things than I’m taking about here, you have to balance your treatment.

The upside is that many of the treatments overlap. Developing a calendar reminding you of that days treatment plan is a great idea. Journaling is an additional plus. Perseverance is everything. There is a lot of support on this site and everyone here cares about you. Accept support and new ideas and we will all make it through this. Until next time.