U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
DE
A 33-year-old female asked:

I have severe lower back cramping after a bowel movement & eating. it radiates to lower front stomach & down left leg. what could be the cause?

3 doctor answers4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Edward Smith
Neurology 56 years experience
Speculation: With the limited info, here is one (amongst many) possibilities: a lumbar or sacral nerve root could be inflamed (for various reasons). Raising intra-abdominal pressure when defecating causes pressure on the nerve, increasing pain messages traveling ultimately to your brain. Pelvic disease (not nerve disease) may do likewise.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Terry Simpson
General Surgery 37 years experience
Constipation: It could be constipation or a number of other things. I would start by adding more fiber like metamucil to your diet for a week as well as two extra glasses of water and see how you feel in 10 days.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Laurence Badgley
General Practice 53 years experience
Pelvic girdle : Unifying dynamic explanatory for gastrointestinal dysfunction & radiation of pain to leg & groin is pelvic girdle. This bony ring has three joints & two, sacroiliac joints (sij), are largest joints in axial spine. Gastrointestinal dysfunction & sciatica are, imo, not uncommon symptoms concomitant with sij dysfunction (hypermobility), which can result from a variety of causes (see my other posts).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Nov 28, 2017

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.