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Do you experience joint pain and muscle aches with IBS?

IBS is classified as a disorder of gut–brain interaction (formerly a functional gastrointestinal disorder). This means that the gastrointestinal tract is structurally normal, but the way the gut and nervous system communicate is more sensitive.


Some individuals with IBS have increased pain signalling sensitivity (known as central sensitisation), which can affect:


  • Abdominal pain

  • Pelvic discomfort

  • Headaches

  • Muscle aches or joint discomfort


This type of pain is not caused by joint inflammation, and it does not damage the joints. It is related to how the nervous system processes pain signals.


However:


  • If joint pain is persistent, severe, worsening, or associated with fatigue or gut symptoms like diarrhoea and weight loss, it may indicate another condition such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or a rheumatologic condition. These conditions require medical assessment because, unlike IBS, they can involve inflammation.


So while mild, intermittent muscle aches can occur alongside IBS for some individuals, ongoing or worsening joint pain is not considered a typical IBS symptom and should be medically reviewed.

What To Try

If joint or muscle discomfort occurs alongside IBS, the aim is to support the gut–brain axis and reduce overall pain sensitivity, rather than treating the joints directly.


A helpful starting point is to bring structure and consistency to daily routines. Eating regular meals, maintaining a steady sleep schedule, and incorporating gentle movement such as walking, yoga, or Pilates can all help regulate how the nervous system processes pain signals.


If stress or heightened anxiety are present, strategies that support the gut–brain axis can be effective. This may include gut-directed hypnotherapy, CBT specifically designed for IBS, or paced breathing techniques. 


These approaches are recommended in IBS clinical guidelines and have good evidence for reducing pain sensitivity and improving symptom control.


Hydration and gradual adjustments to dietary fibre (for example, slowly increasing soluble fibre such as oats, psyllium, kiwi, or cooked vegetables) may also help, particularly if bowel habits are irregular. If stools are frequently loose, addressing stool consistency can reduce mechanical irritation in the gut, which in turn may help reduce pain signalling.


Overall, the focus is not on “fixing” the joints, but on modulating the way the nervous system and digestive system respond to stress and sensation.

When To Seek Help

Speak with a healthcare professional if you experience:


  • Persistent joint swelling

  • Morning stiffness lasting > 30 minutes

  • Ongoing fatigue

  • Symptoms worsening over time

  • Unintentional weight loss

  • Fever

  • Blood in stool


These features are not typical of IBS and may suggest inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.

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