Can Hemorrhoids Cause Back Pain?
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| Can Hemorrhoids Cause Back Pain? |
Last Updated: June 2026 | Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Research
If you're experiencing both hemorrhoids and back pain, you might wonder whether the two are connected. It's a reasonable question.
The short answer is: hemorrhoids themselves don't directly cause back pain, but there are several ways the two can be related.
Do hemorrhoids directly cause back pain?
Traditional hemorrhoids — swollen veins around the rectum and anus — don't typically cause back pain on their own. The pain from hemorrhoids is usually felt locally: around the anus, in the rectal area, or during bowel movements.
However, in some cases, large or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids can cause a dull pressure or discomfort that radiates to the lower back or tailbone area. This is not common, but it does happen.
How the two can be linked?
Shared causes.
Many of the things that cause hemorrhoids can also cause or worsen back pain — prolonged sitting, poor posture, excess weight, and weak core muscles.
So it's very possible to have both conditions at the same time, stemming from the same root causes.
Straining.
When you strain during bowel movements, you increase pressure not just in your pelvic area but also in your lower back. Chronic straining can aggravate back muscles and the lumbar spine over time.
Pelvic floor dysfunction.
The muscles of the pelvic floor are connected to your lower back. When this area is under stress — as it often is with hemorrhoids — back discomfort can follow.
Posture and sitting habits.
If you're sitting differently to avoid hemorrhoid pain (like leaning to one side), this altered posture can put strain on your lower back.
When back pain and rectal symptoms are a red flag
If you have significant back pain combined with rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, see a doctor promptly.
These symptoms together can occasionally point to something more serious, such as a spinal issue pressing on nerves, or in rare cases, colorectal conditions unrelated to hemorrhoids.
Don't assume — get evaluated.
How to find relief for both
Improve your posture.
Use a lumbar support cushion and take regular breaks from sitting.
Strengthen your core.
Gentle core exercises improve both lower back support and pelvic floor function.
Treat constipation.
Reducing straining helps both your hemorrhoids and your back.
Sitz baths.
These soothe hemorrhoid pain and may indirectly reduce the discomfort radiating to your back.
See a doctor: If you're unsure what's causing your symptoms, professional evaluation is always the safest path.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids don't usually cause back pain directly, but the connection between the two is real — through shared causes, poor posture, and pelvic pressure. If you're experiencing both, addressing your overall posture, gut health, and lifestyle habits is the best place to start. And if your symptoms are severe or unusual, always check with a doctor to rule out anything more serious.
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📚 Medical sources
- Mayo Clinic — Hemorrhoids
- Cleveland Clinic — Hemorrhoids
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons — Hemorrhoids
- Mayo Clinic – Hemorrhoids
- Mayo Clinic – Back Pain
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – Hemorrhoids
- Cleveland Clinic – Hemorrhoids
- American College of Gastroenterology – Hemorrhoids:
