If you have chronic constipation accompanied by a headache, you're right to wonder if the two are related. Yes, constipation can be related to a headache, although it probably doesn't actually cause the headache. It's more likely that a common factor -- such as another health condition -- causes both your constipation and your headache.
Symptoms
Most people know the symptoms of constipation and headaches. If you have constipation, you normally only have a bowel movement three times or less per week, compared to the more normal rate of once per day, and you may strain while attempting to go, according to the National Library of Medicine. Meanwhile, headaches can fall into a couple categories, including migraines, tension headaches and sinus headaches.
Conditions
Although constipation and headaches occur commonly, if you have both together frequently you may have a chronic health condition in which both are symptoms. For example, people with fibromyalgia, a painful muscular disorder, frequently have headaches and constipation, or occasionally constipation alternating with diarrhea, according to the University of Washington. In celiac disease, a gastrointestinal condition that makes you unable to digest the gluten found in some grains, patients frequently experience constipation and migraines. If you have chronic constipation and headaches, schedule an appointment with your physician to rule out other illnesses.
Other Causes
It's not unusual for constipation and headaches to be listed as side effects for prescription medications. For example, the common cholesterol medications known as statins can cause headaches and constipation, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Some diabetes medications also list both headache and constipation as side effects. In addition, you might have constipation and headache because you're low on the essential mineral magnesium, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Considerations
It may be difficult to determine the cause of your chronic constipation and headache without a visit to your physician. If you decide to pursue it further, take note of all medications you are using, plus any other symptoms you have. Meanwhile, you may be able to treat your headaches and your constipation with over-the-counter medications -- but be sure to see your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseeases: Constipation
- National Library of Medicine: Headache
- University of Washington Medical Center: Fibromyalgia
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Celiac Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Constipation
