Can Constipation Cause Headaches?

Constipation, also known as sluggish bowel movement, is a condition in which the stools move too slowly through the colon (large intestines). Waste matter becomes extremely hard, and so removing it out of the body can be quite a painful task. In some cases, the constipation is so severe, that the patient has bowel movement just once in a week.

Those who feel constipation often complain about headaches. In fact, headaches come and go as long as constipation lasts. Lingering headaches during constipation add to the patient's woes. So, does constipation cause headaches? Read the following content to find out.

Not many know that headaches have been related to constipation. Although there are many causes of headaches, we rarely hear about a headache associated with constipation. However, the fact remains that constipation, typically marked by infrequent, painful bowel movement, can trigger headache.

On the other hand, migraine resulting from constipation is a rarity but has been mentioned in headache literature.

Causes
Reasons headaches accompany people who are feeling constipated are given below:

Stress
Constipation can be quite stressful both physically and mentally. Excessive stress due to infrequent bowel movement can take a toll on your health, which may lead to a headache.

Diminished Appetite
Constipation sufferers often don't feel like eating, thanks to the abdominal pain that commonly accompanies constipation. People who feel constipated tend to avoid meals, and this habit of consuming less food may also be responsible for causing a headache.

Dehydration
Dehydration or less fluid intake has also been associated with constipation. A dehydrated body resulting from insufficient water consumption, may also cause mild to moderate headaches.

Headache and constipation can occur at the same time due to the following reasons:

Medications
Constipation and headaches have also been associated with patients taking statins, medications that are commonly recommended to reduce high cholesterol. Although statins help to control the cholesterol level, they may produce unwanted secondary effects that manifest in the form of constipation and headache.

Fibromyalgia
Painful bowel movement and headache is also a common complaint among people suffering from fibromyalgia, a condition in which the muscles connected to the bones (skeletal muscles) cause pain. The painful sensations do not remain confined to any specific area but affect the whole body. Although muscle aches in fibromyalgia are not severe, the lingering constant pain can be quite bothersome.

The key to get rid of headaches is to restore healthy bowel function. As soon as the constipation goes away, headaches will no longer trouble you. So cure constipation and say goodbye to headaches.

One of the best ways to relieve constipation is through dietary changes. Most cases of constipation arise due to poor diet. Lack of fiber in the diet is the leading cause of constipation. Fiber adds softness to the stools, and following a fiber-rich diet can go a long way in keeping constipation at bay.

Along with fiber, make sure to drink adequate water to ensure smooth bowel movement. Apart from a following a healthy diet, a 30-45 minute light exercise routine should form an integral part of your lifestyle, and rest assured, you will never suffer from headaches due to constipation.

In case relieving constipation does not cure headaches, consultation with a doctor should be your top priority, so as to find out the underlying cause and accordingly take the necessary treatment.