Does an Enlarged Prostate Cause Back Pain?

If your prostate gland becomes enlarged, it may be the result of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) prostatitis and prostate cancer. And, depending on the cause of enlargement, you may experience symptoms such as difficulty starting or stopping urine flow; an urgent need to urination; or nighttime waking to urinate (also known as nocturia.) Though less common, having an enlarged prostate can cause back pain for some men. So, in this post, we’ll explore causes of back pain from prostate enlargement and options for symptom relief.

Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

An enlarged prostate typically causes lower urinary tract symptoms such as:   

• Difficulty urinating
  
• Urgency or incontinence with urination
  
• Dribbling urinary flow
  
• Interruptions to the flow of urine
  
• Nocturia

These symptoms can develop with any form of prostate enlargement. However, if you have an enlarged prostate due to prostatitis, you may also develop back, abdominal, groin, penis or testicular pain; blood in the urine or in your semen; frequent urinary tract infections; burning with urination; pain after sex or with ejaculation; rectal pressure or pain; and pain when you pass a bowel movement.

If prostate cancer is the reason for gland enlargement, you may experience back pain; leg pain; abdominal pain; and unexplained weight loss. Blood in your urine and erectile dysfunction could also be a concern. When prostate cancer advances, you may also experience numbness, swelling and pain in your legs. Be sure to mention all your enlarged prostate symptoms to a healthcare provider to help you receive an accurate diagnosis and proper medical care.

Back Pain from an Enlarged Prostate: Treatment Options

If you have prostate back pain caused by BPH, lifestyle changes may help manage your symptoms. Engaging in strength exercises for the lower back may improve your comfort, as long as you don’t strain your muscles. You may also benefit from increasing your fiber and water intake, making sure to avoid irritants such as caffeine and alcohol that may worsen BPH symptoms. You should also seek medical care to rule out cancer or prostatitis if you have additional symptoms.

If BPH is determined to be the cause of your back pain, leg pain or other urinary tract symptoms, you can find relief through treatment. And, if lifestyle measures aren’t sufficient, you can pursue prostate artery embolization, PAE treatment in Texas. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that reduces your prostate size by blocking its blood flow. At Texas Endovascular, we perform the procedure without large incisions, so you don’t need general anesthesia and you can avoid overnight hospital stays. Request a consultation with our interventional radiologists and we’ll provide you with more information about PAE, exploring your candidacy for this treatment option for BPH.