Can Hemorrhoids Cause Back Pain? Symptoms, Links & Relief Tips

You’re dealing with that familiar burning or pressure “down there,” and now, out of nowhere, your lower back starts aching too. Coincidence? Or could these two pains be connected?

Can hemorrhoids also cause back pain? It’s a common question, and one worth asking. Because while hemorrhoids and back pain are usually separate issues, they often show up at the same time. Let’s unpack why that happens, how to tell them apart, and what you can do to feel better in this article.

Can Hemorrhoids Cause Back Pain?

The short answer is no. Not directly. 

But here’s the catch: hemorrhoids and lower back pain often stem from the same root problems, like constipation, straining, prolonged sitting, and poor posture. And when those overlap, you may feel like one is triggering the other.

Hemorrhoids are inflamed veins in the rectum or anus, often caused by pressure during bowel movements, pregnancy, or sitting too long. They’re known for itching, burning, and pain around the anal area, not typically the lower back.

However, if your hemorrhoid flare-up happens alongside dull, nagging back pain, it’s not just in your head. There’s often a lifestyle-driven connection between the two.

What’s Really Happening: Shared Triggers Between Hemorrhoids & Back Pain

Surprising fact: About 39% of individuals undergoing routine colorectal cancer screenings were found to have hemorrhoids, and more than half of them didn’t even know it. That’s right, many people walk around with silent hemorrhoids, but once symptoms flare, that pain often drags other discomforts in with it, especially in the lower back area.

Here’s how your hemorrhoids and back pain may be linked, without one directly causing the other:

• Prolonged sitting: Compresses both your lower spine and pelvic area, reducing circulation and increasing pressure.

• Constipation & straining: Tenses your abdominal and lower back muscles, worsening both hemorrhoids and spinal discomfort.

• Poor posture (from pain or habit): Sitting in weird angles to avoid pressure on hemorrhoids throws your spine out of alignment.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Slows down digestion and weakens back-supporting muscles.

Real-life example:

You're constipated → you strain in the bathroom → hemorrhoids flare → you sit awkwardly to avoid pain → now your back starts hurting too.

It’s a domino effect. Not one cause, but a cascade.

So, while back pain doesn’t start because of hemorrhoids, both might point to a shared root cause.

When Back Pain Might Not Be From Hemorrhoids: How to Tell the Difference

Here’s the thing: just because you have hemorrhoids doesn’t mean your back pain is tied to them. Look, sometimes back pain is just back pain. No hidden cause. But other times, it signals something more serious.

Let’s break it down. Hemorrhoids do not affect the spine, nerves, or muscles in your back. If your back pain is sharp, constant, or radiating down your leg, chances are, something else is going on, maybe a slipped disc or sciatica.

Signs your back pain probably isn’t from hemorrhoids:

• Shooting pain down your legs

• Numbness or tingling

• Weakness in the lower limbs

• Pain gets worse when walking or bending, not sitting

These aren’t things hemorrhoids can do. They don’t mess with nerves or cause leg pain. That’s why it’s important to track what else you’re feeling and not just chalk it all up to one issue.

Also, keep in mind age. Degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or herniated discs become more common with age. And guess what? So do hemorrhoids. They just happen to show up at the same stage of life, adding to the confusion.

Here's a quick comparison:

So yeah, there’s some overlap. But it’s worth looking deeper. Don’t self-diagnose if the pain lingers or spreads. If you're seeing symptoms in the "back issue" column, it's time to look beyond hemorrhoids.

Tips to Get Relief From Hemorrhoids and Back Pain

Managing both conditions at once can feel like juggling fire. But relief is possible if you’re willing to tweak a few habits. It starts with listening to your body and doing less of what irritates it. Relief is possible when you tackle the root habits. Here’s what makes the biggest difference:

1. Fix the bathroom routine

Straining is the enemy. Try to:

• Increase water intake (at least 8–10 glasses daily)

• Add fiber into your diet (aim for 25–30 grams/day from real foods like oats, lentils, and prunes)

• Avoid sitting on the toilet for more than 5 minutes

Go when the urge hits, don’t wait, or “hold it in.”

2. Move more, Sit Smarter

Inactivity fuels both problems. Exercise boosts circulation and keeps stools soft.

• Try walking 30 minutes a day

• Gentle stretching, like yoga, supports your back

• Use a sit-stand desk if you’re tied to a chair

Back pain often improves just by standing up more often. Hemorrhoids do too.

3. Try targeted relief methods

• For hemorrhoids:
  Warm sitz baths (10–15 minutes), witch hazel pads, OTC creams (short-term)

• For back pain:
  Ice packs for acute pain or heat compresses for stiffness

4. Fix your posture

Slouching worsens both conditions. Sit upright, use lumbar support, and avoid pressure on your tailbone.

• Keep knees a bit higher than hips when seated

• Use a donut cushion if hemorrhoids are flaring

• Change sitting positions every 30 minutes

Little changes. Big difference. How you sit impacts how you feel.

How to Prevent Hemorrhoids and Associated Discomfort

Prevention is better than treatment, especially when pain gets personal. Preventing hemorrhoids can reduce your chance of dealing with both the discomfort and the weird back pain that sometimes tags along.

Stay regular

Fiber and fluids matter. But consistency is the key.

• Stick to meal routines

• Don’t skip water during travel or stress

• Avoid heavy, greasy foods that clog the pipes

Avoid strain triggers

Whether it’s lifting boxes or holding in a bowel movement, don’t.

• Use proper form when lifting (bent knees, straight back)

• Go when the urge strikes. Don’t wait.

• Avoid tight belts or waistbands that restrict movement

Strengthen your core

A strong core supports your lower back and helps maintain good posture.

• Pilates or yoga builds core without high impact

• Regular stretching prevents stiffness

Prevention isn’t glamorous, but it works quietly in the background. Do enough of it, and you won’t need to treat the same thing twice.

When to See a Doctor

If your back pain is:

• Persistent for more than a week

• Sharp or radiating down your leg

• Paired with numbness, weakness, or bowel/bladder changes

…don’t delay. The same goes for hemorrhoids that bleed heavily, recur often, or cause severe discomfort. A doctor can rule out other causes and guide you to proper treatment, don’t tough it out.

Final Thoughts

So, can hemorrhoids cause back pain? Not directly, but they often walk hand-in-hand thanks to shared lifestyle habits like sitting too long, straining, inactivity, and sometimes plain bad luck. 

The upside? You can manage both with the same foundational changes: better movement, smarter sitting, smoother digestion. Relief is possible, and it usually starts with listening to your body and making one small change at a time.