If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may have many symptoms. One of these symptoms may be lower back pain, especially during the night.

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sometimes report symptoms that appear to be unrelated to IBS. One frequently mentioned and seemingly unrelated symptom is lower back pain that happens mainly during the night.

This could be unrelated pain, or it could be “referred pain.” Referred pain is felt someplace other than where it originates. In the case of IBS, that pain comes from the gut. It’s often due to constipation, gas, or bloating.

There isn’t a single, definitive treatment for IBS or for IBS-related pain. Treatment is different for everybody and you should work with your doctor or gastroenterologist to find the best way to relieve your pain. It will likely take a combination of medication and complementary therapies.

Medications that relieve constipation and gas may ease your lower back pain in the process. Certain probiotics have also been shown to relieve bloating and pain. Probiotics are available in powders, tablets, and in certain foods like yogurt.

Check with your doctor before adding over-the-counter dietary supplements to your daily routine. Some supplements can make matters worse while others may interact with other medications.

Complementary treatments that can help your pain include:

  • Relaxation techniques:
    Deep breathing,
    abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation,
    and visualization exercises can help reduce stress and fatigue and improve your
    mood.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: Some studies show that this can help change negative
    moods and habits. It can reduce stress and ease physical symptoms too.
  • Acupuncture:
    This can be used to relax muscle spasms, which may relieve your back pain.
  • Meditation, massage, and hypnotherapy: Any one of these practices may help relax your muscles
    and reduce pain.
  • Regular exercise:
    Options such as Tai Chi and yoga may help with lower back
    pain.

Lower back pain can be especially problematic when you’re trying to sleep. You can improve your chances of getting a good night’s rest by creating a routine.

Follow these tips to get started:

  • Build
    in some relaxation time before
    going to bed. Don’t go to bed after being active.
  • Avoid
    eating heavy food or drinking caffeine for at least four hours before you plan
    to go to bed.
  • Go to
    bed at roughly the same time each night, and get up at the same time each
    morning.
  • Use
    your bed for two things only: sleep and sex. That means no working, eating
    food, or watching television in bed.
  • Get in
    a little exercise each day.

By having a sleep routine, you can train your body to be more receptive to sleep.

If your back pain is keeping you awake despite your best efforts, speak with your doctor about medications and other treatments that may help.

If you have back pain along with your IBS, don’t assume that they’re related. Make an appointment to get your back pain evaluated by your doctor. You’ll want to know exactly what you’re dealing with and what treatment options are available.