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By Hemorrhoid.com | July 18, 2025
TL;DR
Back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, but when paired with rectal discomfort, it often raises a specific question: Can a hemorrhoid cause back pain? While hemorrhoids are typically known for symptoms like itching, swelling, and bleeding in the anal region, some individuals also report a dull ache or discomfort radiating to the lower back. This overlap can be confusing and may lead you to wonder if there’s a direct connection or if another issue is at play.
In this guide, we’ll unpack whether hemorrhoids can genuinely lead to back pain, what’s causing that discomfort, and how to distinguish between coincidental pain and something more complex.
Hemorrhoids, often referred to as piles, are swollen and inflamed veins located in the lower rectum or anus. While they may seem like a minor nuisance at first, they can cause significant discomfort, ranging from itching and burning to bleeding during bowel movements. Technically speaking, hemorrhoids are part of the normal anatomy and help with stool control, but when they become enlarged or irritated, they turn into a medical issue.
Technically, hemorrhoids themselves don’t directly cause back pain because they’re located in a different part of the body and aren’t neurologically connected to the lower back. However, that doesn’t mean the two are entirely unrelated. There are a few key ways hemorrhoids and back pain can overlap or influence one another:
Severe internal or external hemorrhoids can create a sense of fullness, tightness, or pressure in the pelvic region. This discomfort can sometimes feel like it’s radiating to the lower back, especially if there’s associated muscle tension.
People suffering from painful hemorrhoids often limit movement to avoid aggravating symptoms. Prolonged sitting, especially in poor posture, puts strain on the lumbar spine, leading to muscular stiffness or lower back pain over time.
Chronic straining can lead to both hemorrhoids and pressure on the lower spine. Holding your breath and pushing hard (the Valsalva maneuver) not only stresses the anal veins but also puts pressure on spinal discs and muscles, potentially aggravating lower back pain.
Hemorrhoids and lower back pain can both stem from issues in the pelvic floor, the muscle group that supports your lower digestive organs and spine. Dysfunction in this area can lead to tension, improper bowel movements, and even pain that spreads to the back or tailbone.
Constipation is a major contributor to hemorrhoids, but it also leads to bloating, abdominal tension, and spinal compression. All of this can create or worsen lower back discomfort.
These are particularly painful and can create a sharp, localized ache near the anus that radiates upward. While not technically back pain, the intensity and location can make it feel like the lower spine is affected.
Chronic pain from hemorrhoids can lead to anxiety, muscle tension, and shallow breathing, all of which contribute to poor posture and tight lower back muscles. Over time, this physical stress response can create persistent back pain.
Hemorrhoid pain can interfere with sleep, especially if sitting or lying down is uncomfortable. Poor sleep leads to muscle fatigue and heightened pain sensitivity, which may amplify back pain and overall discomfort.
When you’re in pain, your body often compensates by offloading effort from the affected area. If you avoid using your abdominal or pelvic muscles due to hemorrhoid-related pain, your lower back may bear more of the load, leading to strain or misalignment.
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Behaviors associated with managing hemorrhoid discomfort, like sitting too long, straining, or adopting poor posture, can cause or worsen back pain. The good news is that with some targeted habits, you can reduce pressure on both areas and prevent pain from spreading.
Here’s how to approach it holistically:
A healthy digestive routine is one of the most effective ways to prevent both hemorrhoid flare-ups and straining-related back discomfort. By maintaining soft, easy-to-pass stools, you reduce unnecessary pressure on the rectum and avoid the muscle tension that can trigger lower back pain.
Start with a high-fibre diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. These foods add bulk and softness to your stool, making bowel movements more natural and less forceful. Pair your meals with plenty of water to support hydration and keep digestion smooth.
Sitting for long periods, particularly on hard surfaces or without proper posture, increases pressure in the rectal region, which can inflame hemorrhoids. But it also compresses the lower back muscles and spinal discs, especially if your core isn’t engaged.
People experiencing hemorrhoid pain may unconsciously shift their weight or sit awkwardly to reduce discomfort, which often puts strain on one side of the spine.
By reducing your sitting time, taking standing or walking breaks every 30 to 60 minutes, and using supportive cushions (like a donut or wedge pillow), you can ease pressure on both the rectum and the lower spine.
Poor posture is one of the most overlooked contributors to back pain. When you slouch forward or round your back while sitting, especially during long toilet sessions, it places uneven strain on the spinal structures. If you’re already managing hemorrhoid discomfort, this postural imbalance is often made worse as you try to sit in ways that reduce pain.
A straight, supported spine with both feet flat on the floor allows for balanced pressure distribution across the pelvic floor, reducing the load on the lower back and minimizing muscular compensation patterns.
Physical inactivity is a double-edged sword for hemorrhoid sufferers. On one hand, rest may seem necessary during a painful flare-up. However, excessive inactivity can lead to poor circulation in the pelvic area and stiffness in the lower back. Gentle exercise such as walking, stretching, swimming, or light yoga can improve blood flow to both the anal region and the spine.
It also stimulates the bowels and strengthens muscles that support your posture. Avoid high-impact workouts or heavy lifting during a flare-up, but aim to move regularly throughout the day to prevent muscle deconditioning and venous pressure buildup.
Your core and pelvic floor work together to support your lower spine, pelvis, and bowel movements. Weak or overly tense pelvic muscles can cause incomplete evacuation, straining, or abnormal pressure in the anal region.
Similarly, poor core stability can place extra strain on your lumbar spine when sitting, standing, or lifting. Safe strengthening exercises like pelvic tilts, bridges, and kegel exercises can tone these supportive muscles without aggravating hemorrhoids. Strengthening these areas helps with posture, bowel control, and long-term back pain prevention.
Improper lifting technique is a common cause of both spinal strain and hemorrhoid flare-ups. When you lift heavy objects using your back or hold your breath while exerting force (a technique called the Valsalva maneuver), you increase intra-abdominal pressure.
This unnecessary pressure pushes against both the lower spine and the anal veins, potentially triggering or worsening symptoms. Always bend your knees, keep your back straight, and engage your core muscles when lifting. If you have active hemorrhoids, avoid lifting altogether until symptoms subside.
The position you take during bowel movements can significantly impact both rectal pressure and spinal strain. Sitting upright on a standard toilet may not allow for complete relaxation of the puborectalis muscle, which controls stool passage. As a result, you may strain more, increasing pressure on the lower back.
Elevating your feet on a small stool (as in the “squatty potty” technique) helps simulate a natural squatting position. This aligns the rectum for easier passage and reduces pressure on both the pelvic floor and lumbar area.
Chronic hemorrhoid discomfort can interfere with your ability to sleep and increase emotional stress. When you’re stressed or overtired, your muscles, especially in the back, tend to stay tense. Over time, this leads to fatigue, poor recovery, and a lower pain threshold.
Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation can reduce physical tension and promote better bowel regularity. Prioritizing sleep hygiene also allows your body time to heal and your muscles to reset, especially if pain from hemorrhoids has interfered with restful positions.
The longer you let a hemorrhoid flare-up go untreated, the more likely you are to compensate with habits that harm your posture or spine. Topical creams, sitz baths, suppositories, and lifestyle changes can reduce swelling, soothe inflammation, and give you rapid relief.
If your symptoms persist for more than a week or keep coming back, see a healthcare provider. Proper treatment reduces the need for posture-compensating behaviors that often contribute to lower back issues.
If your back pain persists despite improving hemorrhoid symptoms or worsens with no clear cause, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider about your persistent lower back pain. Persistent pain could indicate other issues, such as a herniated disc, pelvic floor dysfunction, or spinal joint inflammation.
Your doctor can evaluate your condition and guide you toward the right combination of treatments, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes to manage both hemorrhoids and back pain safely and effectively.
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While hemorrhoids don’t directly affect the spine, they can still play a role in triggering or worsening lower back pain through straining, poor posture, and reduced movement. Recognizing the connection helps you take a more holistic approach, one that focuses on bowel health, physical activity, stress relief, and proper posture. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to consult a medical professional to rule out other conditions and receive the right treatment plan.
Yes, hemorrhoids can cause localized pain in the anus and, in some cases, discomfort that feels like it’s coming from the lower back or tailbone area. This happens because swollen or inflamed veins in the rectal area create pressure and tension in surrounding tissues. The pain may radiate or feel more generalized, especially if you’re sitting for long periods or straining during bowel movements.
To find out if there is a link, look for signs that happen at the same time, like rectal bleeding or pain when you have bowel movements. If back pain comes up with these things, you should talk to a doctor to get a good answer. The doctor can tell you if the issue is from a long-lasting problem, from your muscles, or from something else. It is good to get help if you have discomfort, bleeding, or other strange signs.
To feel better, put lidocaine ointment on your hemorrhoids. Use witch hazel compresses to help with inflammation. Doing regular exercise can make your back muscles strong and lower the chance of constipation. Be sure to stay hydrated. This can help you get well faster.
Talk to a healthcare professional if you have back pain with rectal bleeding, steady discomfort, or problems like prolapsed hemorrhoids. Early intervention can stop things from getting worse, help with fast treatment, and improve your health outcomes by providing a variety of treatment options.
Making changes in the way you live can really help with your digestive health and back pain. Try to eat more whole grains and foods that are high in fiber as preventive measures. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Doing yoga often also makes a big difference. These simple steps can lower your chance of having a hemorrhoid and also help with pain in your back. All of this can be good for you in the long run.
