Back Pain in SIBO and What You Can Do About It
Content
1. What is SIBO?
1.1 SIBO Diagnosis
1.2 SIBO Treatment
2. SIBO and Back Pain
2.1 Connection between Gut and Back Muscles
2.2 Bloating Puts Pressure on the Back
3. What to Do About Back Pain Caused by SIBO
1. What is SIBO?
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a gastrointestinal condition in which an abnormal number of bacteria colonize the small intestine. Unlike the large bowel, the intestinal environment of the small intestine is meant to have only minimal bacterial presence. When this balance is disrupted, excessive fermentation leads to gas, toxin buildup, and a cascade of symptoms that often resemble IBS.
Common symptoms include:
abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, belching, fullness, and heartburn. SIBO has become an increasingly recognized gut condition in gastroenterology clinics—especially in cities like London, where awareness is rising among doctors and nutrition-focused practitioners.
1.1 SIBO Diagnosis
If you suspect you may be suffering from SIBO, a simple non-invasive test can help diagnose it: the hydrogen/methane breath test. After drinking a sugar solution such as glucose , lactulose or fructose (1) breath samples are taken at regular intervals.
An elevated level of hydrogen or methane in the breath is a common result indicating that intestinal bacteria are fermenting sugars inappropriately—one of the hallmarks of overgrowth in the small intestine.
Some clinics also include advanced gut microbiome mapping or nutrient absorption tests in their evaluation protocols.
1.2 SIBO Treatment
SIBO treatment usually involves a low-FODMAP or low-carbohydrate diet, often paired with antimicrobial therapies (herbal or pharmaceutical) and probiotics. The goal is to rebalance the gut microbiota while relieving the patient’s symptoms.
A personalized treatment plan at a specialized gastroenterology clinic—especially one experienced with IBS-related conditions—can lead to sustainable improvement.
2. SIBO and Back Pain
Back pain is a common complaint in general practice and gastroenterology alike. But what many patients don’t know is that gut issues—particularly from SIBO—can contribute significantly to low back pain and discomfort in the lumbar region.
2.1 Connection between Gut and Back Muscles
The gut and back are more connected than most realize. Digestive inflammation sends signals through nerve pathways that interact with spinal nerves. This can cause muscle tension or even referred pain to the lower back.
If you experience both digestive symptoms and unexplained back pain, they may be part of the same condition. Altered posture due to gut discomfort can further aggravate spinal alignment, resulting in ongoing discomfort.
2.2 Bloating Puts Pressure on the Back
In SIBO, bacterial fermentation of food leads to significant gas production. This results in bloating, which is not only uncomfortable but also puts physical pressure on abdominal and spinal structures. The expanded intestinal loops can push outward, creating a sense of tension in the lower back.
This is particularly evident in patients who experience distension after meals, especially when consuming FODMAP-rich or poorly digested foods.
3. What to Do About Back Pain Caused by SIBO
Here are some strategies that doctors and gut-health experts commonly recommend: Adopt a low-FODMAP or gut-friendly diet, consider using probiotics to rebalance your microbiota (based on your SIBO type).
Use abdominal massage or apply heat to relieve muscle tension. Engage in light stretching or yoga, focusing on core and lower back release. Consult a clinic specializing in gastroenterology or IBS
Treating SIBO effectively not only improves digestive symptoms but may also provide lasting relief from associated back pain. A holistic approach that includes dietary adjustments, movement therapy, and expert guidance is key.
Back pain is often dismissed as a musculoskeletal issue, but if you or a patient experiences chronic discomfort alongside IBS symptoms or bloating, it’s worth investigating the gut-back connection.
A proper test, targeted treatment, and the support of leading gastroenterology doctors can make all the difference. You may find that by healing your gut, your back pain significantly improves.
References
- Rezaie A, Buresi M, Lembo A, Lin H, McCallum R, Rao S, Schmulson M, Valdovinos M, Zakko S, Pimentel M. Hydrogen and Methane-Based Breath Testing in Gastrointestinal Disorders: The North American Consensus. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017 May;112(5):775-784. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2017.46. Epub 2017 Mar 21. PMID: 28323273; PMCID: PMC5418558.
