Ongoing Stomach and Lower Back Pain with Bowel Issues

your symptoms are most consistent with chronic constipation combined with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C type). The alternating hard stools and normal stools, crampy lower abdominal pain that sometimes improves after passing stool, food-triggered discomfort (especially dairy and gas-producing vegetables like broccoli and corn), and symptoms lasting for years without warning signs like blood in stool or fever strongly suggest a functional digestive problem rather than a serious disease. Straining during bowel movements can also strain the lower back and pelvic muscles, which explains your back pain and the “jelly-like” leg weakness feeling.

Although IBS and constipation are common and usually not dangerous, because this has been going on for over 2 years with moderate to severe pain, you should see a doctor in person for evaluation. may recommend simple tests (blood work, stool tests, or possibly imaging) to rule out other causes and guide treatment

Your symptoms suggest a few possibilities that are worth exploring. The intermittent nature of your bowel movements and associated pain could indicate something like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can cause fluctuating bowel habits and abdominal discomfort. The association of certain foods exacerbating your symptoms might also suggest some level of food intolerance or sensitivity, possibly to lactose or gluten, though these would require further evaluation. The fact that you’re experiencing lower back pain extending into your legs when straining could relate to your posture during bowel movements or possibly even an underlying musculoskeletal issue, but it could also reflect issues with digestive strain.

Given that this has been ongoing for about 2 years, it would be prudent to see a doctor for an in-person evaluation. A healthcare provider could perform a physical exam, review your medical history in depth, and potentially order tests such as blood tests, stool sample analysis, or even imaging studies to exclude any more serious underlying conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. You may even benefit from a referral to a gastroenterologist if initial evaluations don’t provide clear answers.

In the meantime, observe and perhaps record your food intake and symptoms in a diary, this may help identify specific triggers. Increasing fiber slowly and ensuring adequate hydration might help with the constipation and could offer some relief, though be sure these adjustments don’t worsen your symptoms. Although you can try over-the-counter remedies, discussing these first with a healthcare professional is advisable. It’s important not to delay seeing a doctor particularly as your quality of life is being affected and there can be underlying factors that need to be addressed to prevent complications.