Herniated disc and intestinal disorders: What is the link?

Article reviewed and approved by Dr. Ibtissama Boukas, physician specializing in family medicine 

When we talk about the herniated disc, few people think of intestinal disorders. However, these conditions can be linked, and back pain can sometimes cause digestive problems and abdominal pain.

How ? Why ? Are herniated disc and intestinal disorders really linked? This article explains what connects them from an anatomical and physiological point of view, as well as some solutions to relieve your symptoms.

An anatomy lesson to understand intestinal disorders

When you suffer from stomach pains, nausea or diarrhea, you probably think the problem is limited to your digestive system. Certainly, it is true that certain viruses or infections contribute to intestinal disorders.

However, the origin of the problem can sometimes be linked to your spine.

To better understand how digestive problems can come from a herniated disc, it is advisable to revise certain anatomical concepts allowing you to better understand the link between your back and certain organs.

The spine is the juxtaposition of bones (called vertebrae) superimposed on each other. Also called rachis, it is separated as follows:

• 7 cervical vertebrae
• 12 thoracic vertebrae (also called dorsal vertebrae)
• 5 lumbar vertebrae
• 5 sacral vertebrae (forming the sacrum, a small triangular bone at the base of the spine)
• 4 coccygeal vertebrae (fused)

Here is a visual diagram of the spine:

Between each vertebra, there is a intervertebral disc. These discs make it possible in particular to separate the vertebrae from the column, in addition to allowing shock absorption and mobility of the back.

The juxtaposition of vertebrae includes a free space of cylindrical shape called Spinal canal. This is where the spinal cord passes, this nervous structure which constitutes a sort of extension of the brain all along the spine.

From each side of this medulla emerge spinal nerves which provide sensory and/or motor innervation (sensation and movement) to the arms, legs and trunk.

Thoracic hernia, cause of intestinal disorders?

You certainly know the cervical hernia and lumbar disc herniation (L4-L5 or L5-S1). If you want to perfect your knowledge of these conditions, I invite you to consult the following articles:

Herniated disc from A to Z

AZ Cervical Hernia

Now, do you know her thoracic hernia (also called back hernia)?

As the dorsal spine is surrounded and stabilized by the rib cage, a herniated disc at this level is quite rare.

On the other hand, when it occurs, it can cause pain in the middle back, between the shoulder blades and around the thoracic region.

Moreover, a herniated disc increases intra-abdominal pressure, which can manifest as intestinal disorders in some cases.

In addition to the thoracic hernia, it should be known that the sympathetic ganglia are very close to the thoracic spine from an anatomical point of view. Since they have a role to play in gastrointestinal function, spine damage can indirectly affect the sympathetic system and cause digestive disorders.

It is the same with the parasympathetic system where the lymph nodes are located at the cervical and sacral level. As with the sympathetic system, damage to the lymph nodes near the spine could cause digestive symptoms.

What are the other causes?

In addition to thoracic herniation, intestinal disorders can be linked to a herniated disc for various reasons.

cauda equina syndrome

Le cauda equina syndrome occurs when the nerves at the end of the spinal cord (the "horse's tail") are compressed.

This can cause bladder and bowel problems, such as urinary retention and constipation, in addition to pain and weakness in the legs. Urinary or fecal incontinence is also observed in certain cases.

Please note that this is a medical emergency: it is therefore essential to consult if you experience the symptoms mentioned above.

Reduced mobility

Stiffness and discomfort caused by a herniated disc can limit trunk mobility. Additionally, affected people are often inactive due to pain.

However, we know that a sedentary lifestyle or reduced mobility can contribute to constipation and other intestinal problems.

Thus, the physical consequences of a herniated disc may indirectly contribute to intestinal disorders.

pharmaceuticals

Medications commonly used to manage pain from a herniated disc, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, can have side effects that affect the gastrointestinal system.

For example, constipation is a common side effect of many pain medications.

Stress and anxiety

After being diagnosed with a herniated disc, many people develop anxiety and stress.

These negative emotions can disrupt the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea.

What symptoms can we observe?

We know that a herniated disc can cause back pain. These can sometimes be accompanied by tingling, numbness, burning sensation, radiation in the leg, and weakness.

But when we talk about intestinal disorders, what exactly do we mean? Here is a list of possible symptoms observed:

• Bloating and swollen belly painful
• Stomach or rib pain
• nausea
• Gas
• acid reflux
• Stomach pains
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

How do you know if it's from a herniated disc?

How do you know if the symptoms mentioned above come from the spine, and not from diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or other?

On the one hand, these symptoms will be accompanied by back pain. It is even possible that symptoms are aggravated by certain movements or specific positions, and relieved by rest or other positions.

On medical imaging, we will observe a herniated disc at the cervical level., thoracic or lumbar.

Most often, these digestive disorders will not be relieved by the typically prescribed medications, namely antacids, laxatives, antibiotics, etc. On the contrary, massages or stretches will seem to relieve your symptoms.

Posture during meals (or after) will also help modify your symptoms.

When to worry

Most of the symptoms mentioned so far, although sometimes unpleasant, do not constitute a medical emergency.

However, you should know that certain situations require the immediate intervention of a medical team, so that surgery is sometimes necessary to correct them. This is for example the case of cauda equina syndrome.

If you ever observe any of the following symptoms, consult without further delay:

To find out about other causes of back pain associated with digestive disorders (bloated stomach, bloating, etc.), see the following article.

What do scientific studies say?

In a study, 27 patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain were evaluated. Several of them have also been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.

A dorsal MRI revealed that 18 of them (nearly 67%) also had a concomitant herniated disc.

Thus, thoracic disc herniation could be the cause of chronic abdominal pain in many undiagnosed patients, or who have received a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.

This possibility must therefore be taken into account to obtain a correct diagnosis, and adapt the treatment accordingly.

What treatment for intestinal disorders related to disc herniation?

If you're feeling nauseous, lost sleep due to an upset stomach, or just can't eat a meal without regretting your food choices, it might be time to take a deeper look. .

Here are some general tips that will allow you to better manage your condition:

Clarify the diagnosis

• Above all, it must be ensured that the symptoms do not really come from a local attack, from an intestinal disease or even from a more serious attack. A doctor will give you check-ups and examinations, prescribe medication, change your eating habits, will encourage you to drink plenty of water, try a gluten-free diet, lose weight, etc.
• In addition to the conditions mentioned above, make sure that your digestive problems do not come from stress, hormonal changes (related to menstruation for example), a pregnancy, a fibromyalgia, etc.
• If your intestinal problems persist despite everything, ask your doctor to investigate the thoracic region as well as the spine. For example, a medical imaging such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI could identify spinal dysfunction.

Treat the back area

• Massage the back, lumbar and abdominal region to see if your digestive symptoms are relieved. Also apply heat with a heating pillow (like this one) for 15 minutes a day.
• Stretch your back area to see if it affects your symptoms (here's a list of stretches to try at home).
• Apply the Mckenzie method to identify a preferred direction and relieve your symptoms. For video explanations of this treatment method, click here.
• Vary your posture during meals, at work, and observe if your symptoms are modified.

Manage your stress

• If your symptoms are influenced by stress, find strategies to reduce it: diaphragmatic breathing, mindfulness meditation, anti-stress accessories, etc.

Consult a professional

• Consult a osteopath. These therapists have a global vision of the human body, and will be able to work the appropriate areas to provide you with relief.
• Some naturopaths will offer natural products which can have a positive effect on your intestinal disorders. However, it is essential to inform your doctor to avoid drug interactions and undesirable side effects.

Use accessories and products

• Relax your lower back muscles, for example by using a massage gun, postural t-shirts, lumbar support, massage roller, acupressure mat, Or other. It should be noted that these accessories will not necessarily treat the cause of your problem, but will offer you short-term relief and well-being.

• acupressure mat

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• Heated lumbar belt

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• Postural T-Shirts

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• Ergonomic back cushion

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• massage gun

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• Spinal decompression table

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• Foam roller (sport massage roller)

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Consider Natural Remedies

Although they are not supported by solid scientific evidence, several natural products and home remedies are used to treat various body pains, especially for their anti-inflammatory power.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of plants and essential oils that are effective in controlling pain and inflammation:

• Turmeric : Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers very powerful, turmeric is one of the most used plants in a culinary and therapeutic context. The composition of turmeric is essentially made of essential oils, vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C, E, K) and trace elements. But it is to its composition rich in curcumin and curcuminoids that we owe them and calm skin of this spice.

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• Ginger : In addition to the special flavor it brings to the kitchen and its aphrodisiac properties, ginger is a root well known for its anti-inflammatory powers. THE gingerol gives it its anti-inflammatory action. It is an active component acting on the inflammatory pain related to chronic joint inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rheumatic diseases, etc. It has been proven that this active element is also effective in acting on the inflammation linked to arthritis and sciatica. Ginger also has other benefits thanks to its high potassium content and its richness in trace elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium) and vitamins (provitamin and vitamin B9).

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• Omega-3s : Omega-3 are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a very important role in the functioning of our body. They are provided by food in three natural forms: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Beyond their action on the brain and the cardiovascular system, omega-3s prove very effective against inflammation. Indeed, they have the ability to act on the inflammatory mechanisms in osteoarthritis by slowing down cartilage destruction, thus they reduce the intensity of osteoarthritis pain. Since sciatica is most often linked to inflammation secondary to a herniated disc, it can also respond to omega-3s if you consume them regularly. 

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• Lemon eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is a plant most often used in the form of herbal tea or essential oil. She would have anti-inflammatory effects which give it the ability to act on the bone and joint pain in general and the pain of sciatica in particular.

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• wintergreen : Wintergreen is a shrub from which a very interesting essential oil is extracted. It is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy. This oil extracted from the shrub bearing the same name, is used in massage to relieve sciatica and act like a analgesic. Indeed, it provides a heating effect thanks to its ability toactivate blood circulation locally.

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Resources

References

Resources used in the creation of this article

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3723187/

Our article creation process at Groupe SANTEPOURTOUS

Each article is written by a qualified healthcare professional following strict editorial procedures (read more). This article is regularly revised in the light of the most recent scientific evidence.