If you’re struggling with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and also experiencing unexplained back pain, you’re not alone.

In my clinical experience, I often find that many clients with IBS also report recurring lower back pain a symptom that tends to worsen during periods of bloating, constipation, or abdominal cramping.

Interestingly even the NHS recognises backache as a possible symptom of IBS.

While backache is not part of the formal diagnostic criteria for IBS, its inclusion on the NHS website reflects growing awareness of how widespread and varied IBS-related discomfort can be.

What Is IBS ?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common but complex digestive condition that affects the functioning of the gut rather than causing visible structural damage. It’s considered a functional gastrointestinal disorder, which means the bowel looks normal but doesn’t work as it should.

IBS is estimated to affect up to 1 in 10 people worldwide, and symptoms can range from mildly inconvenient to severely life-altering.

The hallmark signs of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved by a bowel movement
  
• Bloating and gas
  
• Constipation, diarrhoea, or a mix of both
  
• A sensation of incomplete evacuation
  
• Mucus in the stool

Beyond these classic digestive symptoms, many people with IBS report non-digestive symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and even pelvic or back pain. These symptoms aren’t just in your head they may be linked to the complex communication network between your gut, brain, and nervous system, known as the gut-brain axis.

Understanding IBS as a systemic, whole-body condition helps explain why it can affect more than just your digestion — including potentially contributing to unexplained back pain, which we’ll explore next.

What Does IBS-Related Back Pain Feel Like?

IBS-related back pain is typically dull, crampy, and intermittent, rather than sharp or shooting.

It often overlaps with digestive symptoms such as bloating and is more muscular or referred in nature rather than caused by structural damage to the spine.

Common Features of IBS-Related Back Pain:

• Dull, aching pain in the lower back, often just above the hips
  
• Tightness or stiffness in the lumbar region or around the sacrum
  
• Discomfort that worsens after eating, especially following high-FODMAP meals or trigger foods
  
• Increased pain during bloating, constipation, or abdominal cramping episodes
  
• Temporary relief after a bowel movement or passing gas — suggesting the pain may be related to bowel pressure
  
• Worsening during periods of stress or anxiety, which are known IBS triggers
  
  

This type of back pain is often referred pain — meaning it originates from the gut but is felt in the back due to shared nerve pathways between the intestines and spinal region. For example, gas buildup or intestinal distension can activate visceral nerves that radiate discomfort to the lower back.

Unlike back pain from issues like herniated discs, sciatica, or spinal arthritis, IBS-related back pain:

• Does not follow a nerve root pattern
  
• Does not cause numbness or tingling
  
• Fluctuates with digestive activity, rather than with physical movement or posture
  

If your back pain comes and goes with constipation, bloating, or other gut symptoms, it’s a strong clue that IBS may be playing a role.

Can IBS Cause Back Pain on the Right Side?

Yes, IBS can cause back pain that is localized to the right side, particularly in the lower back or flank area. This type of pain is usually dull, achy, and intermittent, and it often coincides with bloating, constipation, or gas buildup.

The back pain some people feel with IBS especially on the right side usually isn’t from a back injury. Instead, it’s often caused by pressure in the gut, particularly in the ascending colon, which is located on the right side of your belly. When this part of the bowel fills with gas or stool, it can press on nearby nerves, and that pressure can be felt in the lower back.

This kind of pain often comes and goes, and many people find it eases after a bowel movement or passing gas. But if the pain is sharp, constant, or comes with fever, chills, or urinary problems, it’s important to see a doctor. In those cases, the pain could be due to something else like a kidney infection, gallbladder issue, or muscle strain which needs to be ruled out.

What does the Research Say? Does IBS cause back pain?

So can IBS cause back pain? Yes absolutely! Research shows that individuals with IBS are significantly more likely to experience chronic back pain compared to the general population.

Studies indicate that up to 37% of people with IBS experience chronic low back pain, compared to much lower rates in the general population and that people with IBS are more than twice as likely to have back pain, and those with back pain are over three times more likely to be diagnosed with IBS.²

Why does IBS Contribute to Back Pain?

Here are seven possible ways IBS may contribute to or exacerbate back pain:

1. IBS causes Referred Pain

Have you ever felt pain in one part of your body, only to find out the problem is actually somewhere else? This is known as referred pain. It occurs when the body misinterprets where the pain is coming from. For example, you may feel discomfort in your lower back, even though the actual source is your digestive system.

This happens because your gut and lower back share some of the same nerve pathways that connect to the spinal cord and brain. When your digestive system becomes irritated, such as from bloating, constipation, or cramping, those nerves can send signals that your brain interprets as back pain, even though your spine is not the issue.

Referred pain is not unique to IBS. It occurs in other medical conditions as well. For instance, heart problems can cause pain in the left arm, and gallbladder issues may cause discomfort in the shoulder. In the case of IBS, the pain often radiates to areas like the lower back, hips, or pelvis, particularly during flare-ups when the gut is under more strain.

2. IBS causes Bloating and Abdominal Distension = Pain in lower back

Bloating is one of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms experienced by people with IBS. It is not simply a feeling of fullness. In many cases, the abdomen becomes visibly distended, feeling tight, heavy, and sometimes painful.

This abdominal expansion can affect more than just digestion. As the belly swells, it can alter posture and the way the body moves. The pressure may place additional strain on the lower back and pelvic area, particularly in individuals who already carry muscular tension in those regions.

For this reason, it is not unusual to experience back pain during episodes of bloating, even when the spine itself is not the source of the problem. Improving gut health and managing bloating can often help reduce both digestive discomfort and the associated back pain.

3. IBS-C lower back pain – what is the link?

For some people, ongoing constipation can also lead to lower back pain.

When stool builds up in the intestines and gas continues to ferment, it creates pressure inside the abdomen. This pressure can cause visible bloating and tightness, and may place extra strain on the spine, core muscles, and pelvic area.

Over time, this added pressure can result in a dull, aching sensation in the lower back particularly if your abdominal muscles are already weakened or under strain from chronic digestive issues. In some cases, the muscles in the lower back may also tense up in response, further contributing to discomfort.

Improving bowel regularity and relieving bloating can often reduce this type of back pain.

4. IBS-D and Lower Back Pain – What’s the Link?

How IBS-D Can Lead to Lower Back Pain

If you have IBS-D (diarrhoea-predominant IBS), food moves too quickly through your gut, especially the colon. This can cause gas, bloating, and cramping due to rapid fermentation. The pressure from this can strain your abdominal and lower back muscles.

Unlike IBS-C, IBS-D symptoms tend to come on quickly and strongly. Repeated cramping and urgency can lead to muscle tension in your lower back, causing dull or even sharp pain.

You may also have something called visceral hypersensitivity, where your gut nerves are more sensitive. Because your gut and spine share nerve pathways, this pain can show up in your lower back or pelvis even if your digestion doesn’t feel severe at the time.

IBS-D-related back pain is often caused by:

• Gas and bloating
• Tight, overworked muscles
• Referred pain from the gut
• Mild inflammation from poorly digested food

5. IBS, SIBO And Lower Back Pain – What’s the Link?

Conditions like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) are increasingly recognised as underlying drivers of IBS symptoms particularly bloating, gas, and motility issues.

In SIBO, an abnormal increase in bacteria occurs in the small intestine, where they begin to ferment carbohydrates prematurely during digestion.

This fermentation leads to excessive gas production, which can cause severe bloating, distension, and abdominal pressure. When this pressure becomes chronic, it doesn’t just remain in the gut it can push outward against the abdominal wall and downward into the pelvis, placing stress on the lower back and surrounding muscles. Over time, this strain can lead to muscular tension, stiffness, and referred pain in the lumbar spine and sacral area.

In addition, SIBO-related inflammation can worsen visceral hypersensitivity, making the nerves in the gut and surrounding areas more reactive to even normal digestive activity. This hypersensitivity may contribute further to discomfort that radiates into the back, especially during flare-ups or after eating fermentable foods.

In short, when SIBO is present alongside IBS, it can amplify digestive symptoms and increase the likelihood of postural and musculoskeletal issues, reinforcing the idea that gut dysfunction can have whole-body consequences including chronic lower back pain.

6. IBS Caused by Stress causes tension in the back

When you’re dealing with abdominal discomfort, it’s common to adopt guarded postures — hunching over, shifting weight, or avoiding deep breathing. These adaptations can lead to imbalanced muscle use, tension, and spinal misalignment, especially if IBS symptoms are frequent. Over time, this can create a cycle of physical stress and discomfort in the back.

IBS is closely linked to the gut-brain axis, the bidirectional communication between the digestive tract and the nervous system.

If you have IBS, you may notice that stress, anxiety, or tension tends to make your symptoms worse. This stress response can also cause your muscles especially in your back, shoulders, and hips — to tighten over time. That constant tension can lead to dull or achy back pain, even during times when your digestive symptoms aren’t particularly intense.

7. Constipation and Straining – IBS-C

Constipation is a common subtype of IBS, and the repeated straining during bowel movements can put significant stress on the lower back and pelvic floor. Holding your breath, pushing forcefully, or sitting for long periods on the toilet can all compress spinal structures and contribute to muscular fatigue or pain in the sacral and lumbar regions.

Together, these mechanisms help explain why back pain can be a legitimate part of the IBS experience for many people.

If your IBS symptoms seem to be triggering or worsening back pain, the key to relief is targeting both the gut and the underlying drivers of musculoskeletal tension. Functional medicine focuses on resolving the root causes, not just masking symptoms.

Here are some of the most effective treatment options:

Traditional Treatments for IBS-Related Back Pain

In conventional medicine, back pain related to IBS is often treated like any other type of muscular or non-specific back discomfort. The focus is typically on managing symptoms rather than exploring deeper gut-related causes.

Common traditional strategies include:

• Pain relief medications – Over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol or ibuprofen may be used, though they don’t target the digestive cause and can sometimes irritate the gut further.
  
• Muscle relaxants – To ease tension in the lower back, especially if muscle spasms are involved.
  
• Heat therapy – Applying a heat pad to the lower back to reduce tightness and promote blood flow.
  
• Physiotherapy or chiropractic care – Aimed at correcting posture, improving mobility, and relieving tension around the spine and pelvis.
  
• Antispasmodic medication – Such as Buscopan or Mebeverine, to reduce cramping in the gut, which may indirectly ease referred back pain.

While these treatments can offer short-term relief, they may not address the underlying gut dysfunction or nervous system sensitivity that causes the pain in the first place.

Functional Medicine Approach to IBS-Related Back Pain

If you have ruled out traditional causes of back pain and believe it is caused by IBS there are several areas you can consider looking into.

Rather than simply managing symptoms, functional medicine aims to identify and address the underlying root causes contributing to both digestive and pain-related issues.

In functional medicine, IBS-related back pain is seen as a systemic issue — often involving a combination of gut dysbiosis, SIBO, inflammation, food sensitivities, nervous system dysregulation, and musculoskeletal compensation.

Functiona Medecine focuses on uncovering the root cause of IBS.

Key functional strategies include:

1. Balancing the Gut Microbiome

A 2024 study published in Current Issues in Molecular Biology compared the gut bacteria of people with chronic low back pain to those without it. Researchers found clear differences between the two groups.

Individuals with ongoing back pain had signs of gut dysbiosis, which is an imbalance in the gut microbiome. This included lower levels of beneficial bacteria and higher levels of inflammatory microbes.

Why is this important? Because an imbalanced gut can:

• Make the gut lining more permeable, sometimes called “leaky gut,” allowing harmful substances into the bloodstream
• Increase low-grade, chronic inflammation throughout the body, including in muscles, joints, and nerves
• Interfere with the gut-brain axis, which affects how your body processes and perceives pain

Tips to help restore the gut microbiome

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore microbial balance. Certain strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are especially helpful for crowding out unwanted microbes, supporting the gut lining, and reducing inflammation.

Diet also plays a crucial role. A diet high in sugar, alcohol, and processed foods can encourage yeast overgrowth, while a diet rich in fibre, fermented foods, and polyphenols (from colourful fruits and vegetables) can support the growth of healthy bacteria.

For best results:

• Choose a probiotic tailored to your needs (some strains are better for IBS, others for Candida).
• Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates if you suspect yeast imbalance.
• Include a variety of plant foods to nourish beneficial microbes.

If symptoms persist, consider testing to identify imbalances and guide treatment more precisely.

2. Relieving Constipation or Diarrhoea

Magnesium for IBS-C (Constipation)

Magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide can help promote regular bowel movements by drawing water into the intestines and softening the stool. A typical dose is between 400 and 600 mg daily, taken with water. It is best to start on the lower end and adjust as needed based on tolerance and response.

Soluble Fibre for Bowel Regularity

Soluble fibre supplements, such as partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), can help support smoother, more regular bowel movements without causing excess gas or bloating. PHGG is gentle on the gut and suitable for people with IBS when introduced gradually.

Binders and Gentle Antimicrobials for IBS-D (Diarrhoea)
For those with IBS-D, certain binders (such as activated charcoal or bentonite clay) may help reduce loose stools by absorbing excess fluid and toxins in the gut. In some cases, a targeted antimicrobial protocol using natural agents (such as oregano oil, berberine, or allicin) can help manage underlying dysbiosis if SIBO is the culprit. These should always be used under the guidance of a practitioner to ensure safety and proper dosing.

3. Reducing Inflammation and Food Sensitivities

• Follow a low FODMAP diet to reduce gas and bloating, which are common causes of referred back pain. By reducing fermentation and gas production, this diet can relieve bloating and abdominal distension which in turn may reduce spinal compression and postural back pain. However, this diet is not meant to be long-term. It should be followed under guidance, with reintroductions to identify personal triggers.
  
  
• Food Intolerance Elimination Diet If you suspect certain foods are triggering your bloating or IBS symptoms, a carefully structured elimination diet can be a powerful tool. This approach involves removing common food intolerances such as gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and processed foods for a set period (typically 3–4 weeks), and then gradually reintroducing them one at a time while monitoring your body’s response.
  
  
• Track your symptoms using a food and symptom journal to identify individual triggers (e.g. dairy, gluten, caffeine, stress).
  
  

4. Supporting the Gut-Brain Axis

Supporting the Nervous System

The gut and brain are closely connected, so calming the nervous system can help reduce IBS symptoms and related back pain.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Simple techniques like humming, deep breathing, cold face splashes, or gargling can activate the vagus nerve. This helps shift your body into a calmer state, improving digestion and lowering pain sensitivity.

Mindfulness and Breathwork
Practicing slow, intentional breathing or short mindfulness sessions can relax the gut and reduce tension in the back and abdomen. Just a few minutes daily can have noticeable effects over time.

Adaptogenic Herbs
Herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola help the body cope with stress. Ashwagandha is calming and supports sleep, while rhodiola may be better for fatigue and mental focus.

CBT and Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps change thought patterns that can worsen gut symptoms. Gut-directed hypnotherapy uses relaxation techniques to calm the digestive system and has strong evidence for IBS symptom relief.

5. Other Supplements to consider

• Peppermint oil capsules (enteric-coated) – reduces intestinal spasms and bloating
• Probiotics – may help regulate gut function and reduce inflammation (e.g. Bifidobacterium infantis)
• Digestive enzymes – to improve food breakdown and reduce gas. In some cases, bloating isn’t just about what you eat — it’s about how well you digest it. If your body struggles to break down fats, proteins, or fibres, this can lead to excess gas and digestive strain. Supporting your digestion with targeted aids such as digestive enzymes, stomach acid supplements (e.g., betaine HCl), or bile flow support can make a significant difference — particularly if fat digestion is compromised.

6. Gentle Movement and Physical Support

• Gentle exercise like walking or swimming can stimulate gut motility and ease back tension.
• Use a heating pad or warm bath to relax tight back muscles.
• Consider physiotherapy or osteopathy to release muscle tension around the spine or diaphragm (if muscular tension is significant).
  

7. Treat Underlying Causes

• Investigate conditions like SIBO, bacterial dysbiosis, or gut inflammation if symptoms are persistent.
• Functional testing (e.g. stool analysis, breath testing) can help uncover root causes and guide treatment.
• For chronic or severe cases, working with a gut-focused nutritional therapist or gastroenterologist may be key.

When to See a Doctor:
If your back pain is severe, doesn’t improve with bowel movements, or is accompanied by fever, weight loss, or urinary symptoms, seek medical evaluation to rule out other causes (e.g. kidney problems, gallbladder issues, or inflammatory bowel disease).

Summary:

• Traditional medicine aims to reduce pain with medications and manual therapy.
• Functional medicine works to correct the gut imbalances, inflammation, and stress patterns that are often the true root cause of IBS-related back pain.
  
  

For many people, the most effective solution blends the two: targeted gut support, stress reduction, and gentle physical therapies. This combined approach can provide lasting relief, not just from back pain —but from the underlying IBS symptoms driving it.

Back pain caused by SIBO

(Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is more common than many people realise, often stemming from the abdominal bloating and pressure that this condition creates. SIBO occurs when excessive bacteria accumulate in the small intestine, disrupting digestion and producing gas that leads to visible bloating, distension, and postural strain — all of which can trigger or worsen lower back pain, especially in individuals with poor core stability or heightened gut sensitivity.

Treatment typically involves a combination of targeted antimicrobials (such as herbal protocols or antibiotics like rifaximin), a low-FODMAP or SIBO-specific diet, and support for motility and gut healing to prevent recurrence. By reducing bacterial overgrowth and the bloating it causes, many people experience not only digestive relief but also a significant reduction in referred musculoskeletal pain.

Functional Medicine Tests (Gut-Related)–

If your back pain seems to flare alongside bloating or other digestive symptoms, it’s worth exploring what’s happening in your gut

SIBO Breath Test

Detects Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, which can cause gas, bloating, abdominal pressure, and referred back pain.

.

Comprehensive Stool Test (e.g., GI-MAP,)

• Assesses the gut microbiome, inflammation, parasites, pathogens, yeast (like Candida), and digestive markers.
• Helpful for identifying dysbiosis, which can contribute to both gut symptoms and systemic issues like back pain.
  

Conventional Tests to Rule Out Structural Cause

1. Spinal MRI or X-Ray
2. Inflammatory Markers (CRP, ESR, ANA)
   • Blood tests to check for systemic inflammation, especially if autoimmune causes (like ankylosing spondylitis) are suspected.
     
3. Bone Density Scan (DEXA)
   • Consider if osteoporosis or vertebral compression is a concern, especially in postmenopausal women.
     
4. Urinalysis
   • Rules out kidney infections or stones, which can cause referred back pain.

Could It Be Something Else? Conditions That Mimic IBS and Cause Back Pain

While IBS can certainly contribute to back pain, it’s important to recognise that several other conditions can mimic IBS symptoms and also cause discomfort in the lower back or pelvis. If your pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by red-flag symptoms (like bleeding, weight loss, or fever), it’s essential to consider a broader diagnostic perspective.

Endometriosis

In women, endometriosis is a common but often underdiagnosed condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the womb. It can cause severe cramping, bloating, constipation, and lower back pain all of which are easily mistaken for IBS. Many women with endometriosis are initially misdiagnosed with IBS before a gynaecological cause is uncovered.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis involve chronic inflammation in the digestive tract and can cause back pain, especially in the lower spine or sacroiliac joints. Unlike IBS, IBD typically involves intestinal damage and may also present with fatigue, blood in the stool, or significant weight loss.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

SIBO is a common underlying cause of IBS-like symptoms. Excess bacteria in the small intestine can cause bloating, gas, and constipation — all of which may lead to increased abdominal pressure and back discomfort. Identifying and treating SIBO can significantly reduce both digestive and referred pain.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Both IBS and haemorrhoids are linked to pelvic floor dysfunction, where the muscles involved in bowel movements and posture don’t coordinate properly. This can result in pain that radiates to the lower back or tailbone and may worsen with straining or prolonged sitting.

Kidney Stones or Urinary Tract Issues

Sometimes, what feels like IBS or digestive pain may actually be related to the kidneys or urinary tract. Kidney stones, in particular, can cause sharp pain that radiates from the side or back toward the groin, and may be mistaken for intestinal cramps.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are due to IBS or something else, it’s worth seeking professional guidance. A detailed history, stool testing, imaging, or even referrals to a gastroenterologist or pelvic health specialist may be warranted to rule out these more serious
conditions.

Summary

While back pain may not be the most obvious symptom of IBS, the connection between the two is real — and often overlooked. Digestive discomfort, bloating, and irregular bowel habits can all contribute to physical tension, poor posture, and even nerve-related pain that shows up in the lower back. Fortunately, by addressing the underlying imbalances that drive IBS, many people find that their back pain also improves as a result.

When to See a Doctor for Back Pain and IBS

Although back pain can be a frustrating but benign part of living with IBS, it’s important not to dismiss symptoms that could indicate something more serious. Knowing when to seek medical attention can help you avoid delays in diagnosing a potentially underlying condition.

You should see a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening back pain, especially if it interferes with sleep or daily function
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
• Fever or signs of systemic infection
• Pain that radiates down your legs or causes numbness/tingling
• Changes in bladder or bowel control
  
  

Even if your symptoms are milder, it’s still worth consulting a healthcare professional if you’re unsure whether your back pain is linked to IBS or another issue. A GP, gastroenterologist, or functional medicine practitioner can help assess your symptoms in context and determine whether further testing — such as stool analysis, imaging, or referrals — is needed.

Early intervention not only rules out more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or endometriosis but can also open the door to more effective strategies for managing IBS and its related discomforts.

IBS and Back Pain: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does IBS back pain feel like?

IBS-related back pain is often described as a dull, aching discomfort that may fluctuate in intensity. It commonly coincides with digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, or constipation. This pain is typically referred, meaning it originates from the intestines but is perceived in the back due to shared nerve pathways between the gut and back muscles. Unlike pain from structural issues like herniated discs, IBS-related back pain is more functional and often improves after bowel movements or passing gas.

2. Can IBS cause back pain on the right side?

Yes, IBS can lead to right-sided back pain, particularly in the lower back or flank area. This is often due to gas buildup or spasms in the ascending colon, located on the right side of the abdomen. The discomfort may be exacerbated by bloating or constipation and typically improves after relieving gas or having a bowel movement.

3. Can IBS cause back pain on the left side?

Indeed, IBS can cause left-sided back pain, usually linked to the descending or sigmoid colon on the left side of the abdomen. Similar to right-sided pain, this discomfort is often due to gas, bloating, or constipation and is considered referred pain from the intestines.

4. Where is IBS back pain typically located?

IBS-related back pain is most commonly felt in the lower back, particularly the lumbar region. However, some individuals may experience discomfort in the upper back or between the shoulder blades. The pain is often diffuse and correlates with digestive symptoms like bloating or gas.

5. Can IBS cause back pain at night?

Yes, some people with IBS report worsening back pain at night, which may disrupt sleep. This nocturnal pain is often associated with increased gas or bloating during the evening hours. Managing IBS symptoms through diet and stress reduction can help alleviate nighttime back discomfort.

6. Can IBS cause pain in the middle of the back?

While less common, IBS can cause mid-back pain, typically due to referred pain from the intestines. This discomfort may be linked to gas buildup or intestinal spasms and is often accompanied by other IBS symptoms.

7. Can IBS cause upper back pain?

Yes, upper back pain, including discomfort between the shoulder blades, can be associated with IBS. This may result from referred pain due to gas or bloating, or from muscle tension related to stress, which is a known IBS trigger.

If you are struggling with IBS and back pain or SIBO and need specialist advice visit our sister clinic ibs-solutions.co.uk

We also can book  you in for a consultation

We can help you identify the root cause of IBS

Candida tests

Small intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Gut Microbiome testing

References

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   https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2005.09.071
2. Clauw DJ. (2015). Diagnosing and Treating Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 90(5), 680–692.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.03.014
3. Yarandi SS, et al. (2011). Overlapping Chronic Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Patients with IBS. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 9(6), 477–483.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2011.02.005
4. NHS Website. (2023). Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Symptoms.
   https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/symptoms/
5. Sperber AD, et al. (2021). Global Prevalence and Burden of IBS. Gastroenterology, 160(1), 99–114.e3.
   https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2020.04.074
6. Woolf CJ. (2011). Central Sensitization: Implications for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pain. Pain, 152(3 Suppl), S2–S15.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2010.09.030
7. Goyal H, et al. (2017). Lower back pain and gastrointestinal disorders: What is the link? World Journal of Gastroenterology, 23(47), 8425–8431.
   https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v23.i47.8425
8. Medicina (2024). Quantum Medicine and IBS-Associated Chronic Low-Back Pain: A Pilot Observational Study.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39064528/

Author – Victoria Tyler BSc Hons MBANT

Victoria Tyler owns and runs two busy clinics : Nutrition and Vitality and the IBS and Gut Disorder Clinic.

Nutrition and Vitality, along with the IBS and Gut Disorder Clinic, were founded with the goal of helping patients alleviate IBS symptoms by uncovering and addressing the root causes of their digestive issues.

As a Registered Nutritional Therapist, Victoria holds a BSc (Hons) in Nutritional Therapy and has trained with the Institute of Functional Medicine. She is also accredited by BANT and CNHC.

Before transitioning into health, Victoria earned a degree in Economics and an MBA, working with corporations including Canon and Vodafone. However, her own health challenges led her to pursue a career in Nutritional Therapy.

With a passion for learning, Victoria is committed to staying at the forefront of Functional Medicine. She helps patients manage IBS and other digestive disorders, including SIBO, Candida, and IBD, by identifying and addressing their root causes.

Victoria strongly believes that every symptom has an underlying cause, and there is always a solution to every health condition. To learn more, or to see patient reviews, visit Victoria’s profile on Google.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.