What are the causes of pain in the buttocks when sitting? How can this pain be treated? Get answers to these questions and more.

Understanding Buttock Pain When Sitting

Pain in the buttocks when sitting can be a common and concerning issue. This discomfort can arise due to a variety of causes, ranging from minor injuries to more serious underlying conditions. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the potential reasons for this pain, the associated symptoms, and the available treatment options.

Causes of Buttock Pain When Sitting

Sciatica

Sciatica, a condition that results from compression or obstruction of the sciatic nerves, can be a common cause of buttock pain when sitting. This compression, often due to a disk prolapse or spinal canal narrowing, can lead to shooting pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates from the buttocks down to the legs. Sciatica symptoms may worsen with prolonged sitting, movement, sneezing, or coughing, and often resolve within 4-6 weeks, though in some cases, it can last longer. Treatment options include over-the-counter pain relief, exercises, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.

Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, located in the buttocks, irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve. Symptoms may include pain in the buttocks, pain down the back of the leg or thigh, pain when sitting, pain when walking up stairs or hills, and reduced motion of the hip joint. Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers, stretches, gentle exercise, and cold/heat therapy.

Coccydynia

Coccydynia, or pain in the tailbone, can result from an injury or strain to the coccyx or the surrounding muscles and ligaments. This condition can cause dull, achy pain that is often worse when sitting down, moving from sitting to standing, standing for extended periods, or bending down. Treatment options include using a doughnut cushion, over-the-counter pain relief, prescription pain medication, injections, and in extreme cases, surgery. However, the primary treatment for coccydynia is time, as the condition usually resolves within a few weeks to a few months.

Bruising

Bruises, or patches of discoloration caused by internal bleeding in the capillaries, can also lead to buttock pain when sitting. Symptoms may include blue, purple, or dark patches on the skin. While treatment is usually not necessary for bruises, over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can help manage the discomfort. Bruises typically heal within a couple of weeks, but persistent or unexplained bruising should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Other Potential Causes

In addition to the conditions mentioned above, other potential causes of buttock pain when sitting may include:

• Pilonidal cyst
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Muscle strains or tears

When to Seek Medical Attention

If the buttock pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Some signs that warrant a visit to a healthcare provider include:

• Sudden, unexplained bruising
• Difficulty moving or standing up from a seated position
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or buttocks
• Significant swelling or discoloration in the affected area
• Pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep

Diagnosing the Cause of Buttock Pain

To determine the underlying cause of the buttock pain, a healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and order imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. These diagnostic tools can help identify any structural issues or underlying conditions that may be contributing to the pain.

Treating Buttock Pain

The treatment approach for buttock pain when sitting will depend on the underlying cause. In many cases, conservative treatments such as over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and physical therapy can provide relief. More severe or persistent cases may require prescription medications, injections, or even surgical intervention. It is important to follow the recommendations of a healthcare provider to ensure the most effective and appropriate treatment plan.

In conclusion, pain in the buttocks when sitting can have a variety of causes, ranging from minor injuries to more serious underlying conditions. By understanding the potential causes, recognizing the associated symptoms, and seeking prompt medical attention when necessary, individuals can take the necessary steps to address this discomfort and improve their quality of life.

Pain in buttocks when sitting: Causes and treatments

A person may experience pain in their buttocks when sitting for many reasons, including, minor injuries and bruises and more severe conditions, such as sciatica and damaged disks.

People spend a lot of time sitting down, and experiencing pain in the buttocks when sitting can cause concern. Pain in this area can be temporary due to a bruise or minor injury, but it can also result from a more serious, long-term condition.

In this article, we discuss possible symptoms and causes of buttock pain, diagnosis, and when a person should seek medical attention.

Symptoms may vary depending on the cause and location of the pain and can include:

• bruising or discoloration
• numbness and tingling
• tingling in the legs
• a sore tailbone (coccyx)
• swelling
• difficulty moving the muscle
• difficulty moving from a sitting to a standing position

Sometimes, the pain may go away on its own. Other times, medical treatment may be necessary.

There is a variety of reasons a person may experience pain in the buttocks when sitting down.

Conditions that may cause pain in the buttocks include:

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that results from compression or obstruction of the sciatic nerves. These are the two largest nerves in the body. They run from the lower spine, through the buttocks, to the knees.

Compressions due to a disk prolapse or the narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort.

Sciatica can cause shooting pain, tingling, or numbness anywhere from the buttocks to the legs.

People may find that symptoms worsen when they sit for long periods, move, sneeze, or cough. Sciatica often resolves in 4–6 weeks, but sometimes it can last longer.

Treatment may include:

• over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• exercises and stretches
• heat packs
• physical therapy
• pain relief injections
• a procedure to prevent nerves in the back from sending pain signals
• surgery

Learn more about how sciatica causes buttock pain here.

Piriformis syndrome

The piriformis muscle is a pear-shaped muscle in the buttocks that extends from the base of the spine to the top of the thigh. Piriformis syndrome develops when the piriformis muscle irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve.

According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, symptoms may include:

• pain in the buttocks
• pain down the back of the leg or thigh
• pain when sitting
• pain when walking up stairs or hills
• reduced motion of the hip joint

Treatment may include:

• OTC pain relievers
• stretches
• gentle exercise
• cold and heat therapy

Learn about nerve flossing exercises to relieve pain from sciatica and piriformis syndrome here.

Coccydynia

The coccyx is the last bone at the bottom of the spine, also known as the tailbone. Coccydynia is the medical name for pain in the tailbone. It can occur if a person injures or strains their coccyx or the surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Common causes of coccydynia may include:

• childbirth
• an injury or accident, such as a fall
• repeated or prolonged strain on the coccyx
• poor posture when sitting
• having overweight or underweight

Symptoms may include:

• pain that is dull and achy most of the time
• occasional sharp pain

People may find that the pain is worse when they sit down, move from sitting to standing, stand for extended periods, or bend down.

Coccydynia can also make having sex painful, and it can make it difficult to carry out everyday activities, such as passing the stool or driving.

Treatment may include:

• using a doughnut cushion
• OTC pain relief medicine
• prescription pain medication
• injections of anti-inflammatories, such as corticosteroids, or pain relievers into the coccyx or surrounding area
• surgery, in extreme cases

However, the primary treatment for coccydynia is time. Doctors advise people to manage the symptoms and wait for it to resolve. It usually takes a few weeks to a few months to fully heal.

Learn more about treatments for a painful tailbone here.

Bruising

Bruises are patches of discoloration that may appear on a person’s skin after an injury. Bruises happen when tiny blood vessels called capillaries break or burst underneath the skin, creating small amounts of internal bleeding.

Symptoms may include:

• blue or purple patches on light skin
• dark purple, brownish, or black patches on darker skin

Learn more about bruises on dark skin here.

Treatment is usually not necessary for bruises but can include:

• OTC pain relievers
• a cold compress or ice pack

Bruises usually go away by themselves within a couple of weeks, but people should seek medical attention if a bruise persists. A person should also contact a doctor if they have sudden unexplained bruising, as this could be due to an underlying condition.

Learn more about bone bruises here.

Other causes

Other causes of pain in the buttocks may include:

• a pilonidal cyst
• arthritis
• bursitis
• muscle strain
• sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• degenerative disk disease

To diagnose the cause of pain in the buttocks, a doctor will likely carry out a physical examination.

Sometimes, the reasons for the pain are evident. For example, a person has had a fall or experienced another type of injury. However, if there is no obvious reason, a doctor may need to carry out tests.

They may recommend an X-ray to rule out a break or fracture, or an MRI scan or CT scan to help identify other causes of the pain, such as arthritis.

If a doctor cannot make a diagnosis, they may refer the person to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, orthopedic specialist, or physical therapist.

Learn about what to expect during a physical exam here.

There are many things a person can try at home to relieve pain in the buttocks, including:

• avoiding prolonged sitting
• moving around and stretching the legs regularly
• using a doughnut cushion
• applying hot packs to the lower back
• applying cold packs to the lower back
• wearing loose-fitting clothing
• taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

People can also try stretches or even yoga to try to relieve pain in the buttocks.

Learn about how to stretch out the tailbone here.

People should seek medical advice if:

• the pain does not start to improve within a few weeks
• simple home treatments do not relieve the pain
• the pain is severe

They should also contact a healthcare professional immediately if the pain co-occurs with:

• bleeding
• a high temperature
• pain in other areas than just the buttocks
• numbness or weakness in the legs
• difficulty controlling the bowels or bladder
• sharp stabbing or shooting pain

It could be that the cause of the pain is a fracture or an infection and needs further medical intervention.

Learn more about high temperature and fever here.

A number of factors can cause pain in the buttocks, but most are not a cause for concern.

The pain is usually due to an injury or a fall where a person has landed on their buttocks. People may wish to try some simple home treatments to alleviate the pain.

However, if the pain does not ease over time, people should seek medical attention, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition.

Pain in buttocks when sitting: Causes and treatments

A person may experience pain in their buttocks when sitting for many reasons, including, minor injuries and bruises and more severe conditions, such as sciatica and damaged disks.

People spend a lot of time sitting down, and experiencing pain in the buttocks when sitting can cause concern. Pain in this area can be temporary due to a bruise or minor injury, but it can also result from a more serious, long-term condition.

In this article, we discuss possible symptoms and causes of buttock pain, diagnosis, and when a person should seek medical attention.

Symptoms may vary depending on the cause and location of the pain and can include:

• bruising or discoloration
• numbness and tingling
• tingling in the legs
• a sore tailbone (coccyx)
• swelling
• difficulty moving the muscle
• difficulty moving from a sitting to a standing position

Sometimes, the pain may go away on its own. Other times, medical treatment may be necessary.

There is a variety of reasons a person may experience pain in the buttocks when sitting down.

Conditions that may cause pain in the buttocks include:

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that results from compression or obstruction of the sciatic nerves. These are the two largest nerves in the body. They run from the lower spine, through the buttocks, to the knees.

Compressions due to a disk prolapse or the narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort.

Sciatica can cause shooting pain, tingling, or numbness anywhere from the buttocks to the legs.

People may find that symptoms worsen when they sit for long periods, move, sneeze, or cough. Sciatica often resolves in 4–6 weeks, but sometimes it can last longer.

Treatment may include:

• over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• exercises and stretches
• heat packs
• physical therapy
• pain relief injections
• a procedure to prevent nerves in the back from sending pain signals
• surgery

Learn more about how sciatica causes buttock pain here.

Piriformis syndrome

The piriformis muscle is a pear-shaped muscle in the buttocks that extends from the base of the spine to the top of the thigh. Piriformis syndrome develops when the piriformis muscle irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve.

According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, symptoms may include:

• pain in the buttocks
• pain down the back of the leg or thigh
• pain when sitting
• pain when walking up stairs or hills
• reduced motion of the hip joint

Treatment may include:

• OTC pain relievers
• stretches
• gentle exercise
• cold and heat therapy

Learn about nerve flossing exercises to relieve pain from sciatica and piriformis syndrome here.

Coccydynia

The coccyx is the last bone at the bottom of the spine, also known as the tailbone. Coccydynia is the medical name for pain in the tailbone. It can occur if a person injures or strains their coccyx or the surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Common causes of coccydynia may include:

• childbirth
• an injury or accident, such as a fall
• repeated or prolonged strain on the coccyx
• poor posture when sitting
• having overweight or underweight

Symptoms may include:

• pain that is dull and achy most of the time
• occasional sharp pain

People may find that the pain is worse when they sit down, move from sitting to standing, stand for extended periods, or bend down.

Coccydynia can also make having sex painful, and it can make it difficult to carry out everyday activities, such as passing the stool or driving.

Treatment may include:

• using a doughnut cushion
• OTC pain relief medicine
• prescription pain medication
• injections of anti-inflammatories, such as corticosteroids, or pain relievers into the coccyx or surrounding area
• surgery, in extreme cases

However, the primary treatment for coccydynia is time. Doctors advise people to manage the symptoms and wait for it to resolve. It usually takes a few weeks to a few months to fully heal.

Learn more about treatments for a painful tailbone here.

Bruising

Bruises are patches of discoloration that may appear on a person’s skin after an injury. Bruises happen when tiny blood vessels called capillaries break or burst underneath the skin, creating small amounts of internal bleeding.

Symptoms may include:

• blue or purple patches on light skin
• dark purple, brownish, or black patches on darker skin

Learn more about bruises on dark skin here.

Treatment is usually not necessary for bruises but can include:

• OTC pain relievers
• a cold compress or ice pack

Bruises usually go away by themselves within a couple of weeks, but people should seek medical attention if a bruise persists. A person should also contact a doctor if they have sudden unexplained bruising, as this could be due to an underlying condition.

Learn more about bone bruises here.

Other causes

Other causes of pain in the buttocks may include:

• a pilonidal cyst
• arthritis
• bursitis
• muscle strain
• sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• degenerative disk disease

To diagnose the cause of pain in the buttocks, a doctor will likely carry out a physical examination.

Sometimes, the reasons for the pain are evident. For example, a person has had a fall or experienced another type of injury. However, if there is no obvious reason, a doctor may need to carry out tests.

They may recommend an X-ray to rule out a break or fracture, or an MRI scan or CT scan to help identify other causes of the pain, such as arthritis.

If a doctor cannot make a diagnosis, they may refer the person to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, orthopedic specialist, or physical therapist.

Learn about what to expect during a physical exam here.

There are many things a person can try at home to relieve pain in the buttocks, including:

• avoiding prolonged sitting
• moving around and stretching the legs regularly
• using a doughnut cushion
• applying hot packs to the lower back
• applying cold packs to the lower back
• wearing loose-fitting clothing
• taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

People can also try stretches or even yoga to try to relieve pain in the buttocks.

Learn about how to stretch out the tailbone here.

People should seek medical advice if:

• the pain does not start to improve within a few weeks
• simple home treatments do not relieve the pain
• the pain is severe

They should also contact a healthcare professional immediately if the pain co-occurs with:

• bleeding
• a high temperature
• pain in other areas than just the buttocks
• numbness or weakness in the legs
• difficulty controlling the bowels or bladder
• sharp stabbing or shooting pain

It could be that the cause of the pain is a fracture or an infection and needs further medical intervention.

Learn more about high temperature and fever here.

A number of factors can cause pain in the buttocks, but most are not a cause for concern.

The pain is usually due to an injury or a fall where a person has landed on their buttocks. People may wish to try some simple home treatments to alleviate the pain.

However, if the pain does not ease over time, people should seek medical attention, as it could be a sign of an underlying condition.

Pain in the buttocks and buttocks

Learn how to recover from proctological diseases after the first appointment with proctologists, candidates of medical sciences

Bagdasaryan Lev Karapetovich

Surgeon – coloproctologist, candidate of medical sciences, doctor of the highest category, member of the Association Coloproctologists of Russia, member of the Russian Society of Colorectal Surgeons

44 years Medical experience
and work experience Candidate of Medical Sciences

The price includes appointment, examination, doctor’s consultation and treatment prescription

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Pain diagnostics

In diseases of the lower spine, due to the location of the nerves, the pain may radiate to the legs or buttocks. To diagnose the cause of the pain syndrome, the patient should determine the nature, intensity and painful place. We recommend that you contact experienced proctologists.

What are the buttocks?

The buttocks are considered symmetrical parts of the body and are, figuratively speaking, a “layer cake”. The first, top layer is the skin. The second is the tissues of the left and right gluteal muscles, respectively. The third layer is represented by subcutaneous fat, which is located directly under the muscles and, in comparison with other parts of the body, is considered the most developed.

What does pain in the buttocks indicate?

Pain in the bottom occurs in any of the balls. The pain process in the buttocks indicates the consequences of an injury, the presence of an infectious or inflammatory process in the body, and muscle pathologies.

Pain in the buttocks indicates the presence of pathologies such as

• Sciatica
• Formation of phlegmon and abscesses
• Osteomyelitis
• Furuncle
• Or considered to be due to muscle strain

Pain in the buttocks can also be caused

• Osteochondrosis
• Tailbone cyst
• Herniated disc

Crack symptoms are considered

1. Defecation difficulties and discomfort
2. Constant pain in the buttocks
3. Bleeding

Anal fissures often appear in women after natural childbirth.

Pain in the pope, the following symptoms are observed

1. Pain in neighboring areas

   In addition to the gluteal region, the patient has pain in the lower back, sacrum, coccyx, thigh. The pain syndrome is accompanied by increased tone in the gluteal muscles, muscles of the lower back and lower extremities. As a result of changes in the spine and increased muscle tension, movement is limited in the spinal column and hip joint.

2. General disturbance of health: malaise, weakness

   The patient feels a strong weakness of the muscles of the thigh and lower leg, decreased sensitivity, discomfort. Sometimes pain in the body is accompanied by discomfort in the area of ​​the buttocks. The patient complains of lack of appetite and deterioration after eating. In this case, the advice of a nutritionist and urologist is needed

3. Loss of consciousness and impaired coordination

   In severe cases, sharp pain in the buttock and fever are accompanied by impaired consciousness – the patient falls into a coma

4. Violation of the stool

   The patient develops fecal disorders, disorder and constipation, flatulence, bloating in the abdomen, discomfort in the buttocks and other organs

5. Nausea and vomiting

   Inflammatory processes in the buttocks are closely related to the gastrointestinal tract. The patient complains of nausea and vomiting, belching

6. Fever

   The patient’s condition is accompanied by fever. This process is indicative of inflammation or infection

7. Headaches and dizziness

   There are complaints of headache, migraine, dizziness. Sometimes cases of loss of consciousness are possible

Causes of pain in the buttocks

Medical experts distinguish such causes of pain in the buttocks

1. Herniated intervertebral discs in the lumbar regionAcute severe pain radiating to the buttock is observed with herniated discs in the lumbar region. Pain first occurs in the lower back – directly in the place where the affected disc is located, then descend into the buttock and down the back of the thigh. The pain only bothers you on the right or left, depending on which side the nerve is affected on. There is weakness in the leg on the side of the lesion, skin sensitivity is disturbed, unpleasant sensations are noted in the anus

2. Arthritis and arthrosis

   In arthritis and arthrosis, the patient is diagnosed with inflammation of the joints of other organs. The main symptom of this disease is pain between the buttocks while walking. To prevent the development of arthritis and arthrosis, the patient should visit a neurologist and an orthopedist. Medical workers will prescribe medicines, healing ointments, exercise therapy and physiotherapy

3. Excessive muscle tension

   Severe pain in the buttocks indicates excessive muscle tension. Such symptoms are observed in athletes and people engaged in physical labor

4. Infections of the female genital tract

   Severe cutting pain in the anus may occur in women who have problems with the female genital organs. To establish an accurate diagnosis, you should visit a gynecologist

5. Infection

   Pain in the anus after diarrhea indicates the presence of an infectious disease in the human body. The patient takes tests and visits a urologist

6. Sciatic neuralgia

   With sciatic neuralgia, the patient has severe pain in the thigh and anus. Pain is aggravated by movement and turning

7. Sciatica

   The patient feels discomfort in the buttocks. The condition is accompanied by pulling pain

Diagnosis and treatment of pain in the buttocks

The process of treatment

The process of treating pain in the buttocks depends entirely on the nature of the pathology. The patient needs to see a proctologist and attend an initial consultation. The doctor will examine the affected organ and palpate it. If purulent discharge, bleeding and infectious processes are found, then we suggest performing an operation to remove anal fissures

Pain relief

For pain in the pope after an injury, the patient is prescribed painkillers and warming ointments that can relieve swelling. Non-steroidal drugs relieve pain and promote the speedy healing of soft tissues

Boils

In case of boils, patients are prescribed Vishnevsky ointment and ichthyol ointment. In non-triggered cases, health workers use massages, warm compresses, physiotherapy

Gymnastics system

After consulting a doctor, the patient begins to engage in physiotherapy exercises. Improves muscle tone and strengthens. Doctors of the private clinic “KDS Clinic” have developed a special gymnastic system that will relax injured muscles and reduce pain

Important

To determine the cause of the ailment, tests should be taken

Similar procedures

1. General analysis of feces
2. Colonoscopy under anesthesia

Doctors proctologists

Bagdasaryan Lev Karapetovich

Surgeon – coloproctologist, PhD, doctor of the highest category, member of the Association of Coloproctologists of Russia

Work experience: 44 years

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Anton Vsevolodovich Myshlyaev

Coloproctologist surgeon

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Why does the anus hurt – the blog of the medical center ON Clinic

Pain in the anus is the most common reason for visiting a proctologist. Unpleasant sensations can occur due to trauma, infectious diseases and inflammation.

When establishing the cause of anorectal pain and prescribing treatment, the doctor must take into account the nature of the pain, under what circumstances pain appears (for example, in a standing position, sitting or during bowel movements), associated signs of pathology: itching, bleeding from the anus, a feeling of pressure and discomfort. Pain in the anus may indicate:

• trauma to the anus and rectum;
• hemorrhoids;
• venereal disease;
• paraproctitis;
• bowel diseases;
• rectal cancer;
• rectal prolapse.

Rectal pain associated with hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a common disease, and anal pain is a common symptom. Hemorrhoids occur due to circulatory disorders in the venous plexuses of the anal passage. With hemorrhoids, the veins of the rectum overflow with blood, which leads to swelling of the vessels and the surrounding connective tissue, after which discomfort occurs, including pain. In addition to pain in the region of the rectal opening, hemorrhoids can be observed:

• feeling of pressure;
• itching and burning in the anus.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (USA), about half of people over the age of 50 suffer from hemorrhoids. The risk of the disease is increased by constipation, hard stools, and strong attempts during childbirth. If untreated, hemorrhoids can increase several times and fall out of the anus, which is accompanied by increased pain and other symptoms. In advanced cases, hemorrhoids require surgical treatment.

Anal fissure pain

Anal fissures are longitudinal tears (wounds, ulcers) on the mucous membrane in the anus. Anal fissures are accompanied by severe pain during and after defecation, and may occur as a result of damage to the mucous membrane of the anus during:

• childbirth;
• circulatory disorders in the pelvic area;
• increased pressure in the rectum with a sharp lifting of weights;
• diarrhea;
• anal sex;
• introduction of solid objects into the anus;
• passage of hard stools during constipation.

Along with pain in anal fissures, small impurities of blood in the feces, a burning sensation in the area of ​​mucosal rupture, and itching may appear. If left untreated, anal fissures can become chronic, leading to prolonged pain not only during and after defecation, but also during prolonged sitting.

Proctalgia

Proctalgia is a pain syndrome that occurs when muscles spasm in the rectum and anus. The duration of pain during the disease depends on the duration of the spasm. Pain attacks can last from a few seconds to several hours. The frequency of spasms in proctalgia can be affected by defecation and its disturbances, sexual activity. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and also intensify when sitting.

Since pain attacks are in most cases short-lived and end on their own, treatment is not carried out. With a longer duration and frequency of pain, warm baths, local remedies for relieving spasm of the rectal muscles help reduce symptoms.

Constipation and pain in the anus

Constipation is one of the common causes of pain in the anus. The accumulation of hard and dry feces leads to an increase in pressure in the rectum, excessive stress during emptying, which leads to damage to the tissues of the anal canal and the appearance of pain. In addition to rectal pain, constipation can cause:

• bloating and pain in the abdomen;
• nausea due to poisoning of the body with toxins.

Signs of bowel disease

Pain in the lower intestines can appear not only with damage to the rectum, but also with diseases of the upper digestive tract. Rectal pain often accompanies rectal colitis and Crohn’s disease, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Along with pain in the pathological process in the intestines observed:

• spasms and pain in the stomach;
• diarrhea;
• loss of appetite;
• bleeding from the anus or blood in the stool.

Sexually transmitted infections and pain in the anus

Sexually transmitted diseases are not always, but can spread from the genitals to the rectum, causing pain. Pain in the anus occurs when the intestines are affected by the human papillomavirus, herpes, chlamydia. Other symptoms that accompany sexually transmitted infections when they spread to the rectum include:

• itching and burning;
• liquid discharge from the anus;
• minor bleeding.

Rectal prolapse

Rectal prolapse is a disease that is diagnosed when the rectum partially or completely protrudes beyond the anus. Pathology is accompanied by pain and constant discomfort, which prevent the patient from leading a full life. The causes of rectal prolapse have not yet been established, but among the factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease, chronic constipation and straining during defecation, childbirth, and the anatomical structure of the pelvis and intestines are distinguished.

Rectal prolapse progresses slowly and in the initial stages is characterized by only minor pain and pressure in the anus, which occur during bowel movements. With the development of the disease, prolapse of the intestine occurs with the slightest tension or without it, and the disease requires surgical treatment.

Pain after anal sex

The sensitivity of the skin around the anus not only provides arousal, but can also cause minor injuries and pain during anal sex. Friction during intercourse leads to the appearance in the anus:

• irritation;
• edema;
• bleeding.

Most often, injuries to the anus during anal sex occur due to the lack of its own secret, which would facilitate the movement of the penis and reduce friction. Using a sufficient amount of lubricant in most cases prevents pain and makes anal sex as safe as possible.

Rectal pain as a symptom of inflammation of the rectum

Pain syndrome is one of the main signs of inflammation in the rectum. Proctitis or inflammation of the rectal mucosa can occur against the background of various intestinal diseases, due to a sedentary lifestyle, dietary disturbances, and for other reasons. In addition to pain, proctitis may be accompanied by:

• diarrhea;
• feeling of pressure in the anus;
• bleeding from the anus or blood in the stool;
• mucous secretions.

Paraproctitis

Paraproctitis is a serious inflammatory disease that affects the tissues around the rectum and anus, accompanied by pus. The disease is caused by bacterial pathogens and is accompanied by severe, acute pain. The pain syndrome with paraproctitis is often associated with:

• purulent discharge from the anus;
• swelling of the surrounding tissues and irritation of the skin around the anus;
• false, painful urge to defecate;
• fever;
• general weakness.

Anal cancer

Rectal or anal cancer can also be painful. At first, the pain may be minor and occur periodically, but as the tumor grows, it intensifies and does not fade away. In addition to pain, rectal cancer can be indicated by:

• defecation disorder;
• weight loss;
• blood in stool;
• itching in the anus.

How to get rid of pain in the anus?

The most reliable way to eliminate pain in the anus is to identify and treat its cause. For different diseases, different medicines are used to both relieve and eliminate the symptoms. Antibacterial drugs are prescribed to treat infectious diseases, anti-inflammatory drugs to eliminate inflammation, and laxatives to facilitate defecation.

While treatment is ongoing, pain relief can be achieved by taking warm baths for 15-20 minutes. To normalize bowel stools, prevent constipation and prevent excessive stress during bowel movements, you should adjust the diet by consuming more fluids and foods rich in fiber. Also, to eliminate pain in the anus, you can use local anesthetics, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic drugs. In many cases, rectal pain does not last long and goes away on its own without the need for treatment.

When should I contact a proctologist?

Although in most cases pain in the anus is not cause for alarm, it is necessary to seek the help of a proctologist as soon as possible in case of:

• prolonged pain attacks that recur or worsen over time;
• persistent rectal bleeding or blood in the stool;
• mechanical trauma to the anus;
• fever;
• purulent and mucous discharge from the anus.