There are a few different ways to approach your question about an association between tailbone (coccyx) problems and bowel problems. Sometimes it is the bowel problems causing tailbone symptoms, and sometimes it is the reverse where the coccyx problems are causing difficulties with the bowels. Let’s address these 2 categories separately below.
Bowel problems can cause pain in the coccyx region.
This can include things like:
- rectal cancer (malignancy),
- non-cancer masses/tumors behind the rectum (such as a rector rectal hamartomatosis tailgut cyst, etc.)
- perianal abscess (an infection around the anus)
- thrombosed hemorrhoids
- anal fissure
- proctitis
- coccyx irritation while passing a large bowel movement
- coccyx irritation during colonoscopy
- constipation can cause increased pressure on the tailbone region
Coccyx problems can cause problems/symptoms in the gastrointestinal (rectum, colon) region.
This can include:
- If the coccyx is abruptly angled too far forward, it can actually indent into the rectum.
- This can cause a perpetual feeling of bowel fullness.
- Also, during a bowel movement the movement of the stool within the rectum can press against the coccyx, causing worsening of the tailbone pain.
- If the patient has undergone a coccygectomy (surgical removal of the tailbone), one potential complication is prolapse (sagging) of the pelvic floor. When the pelvic floor is sagging the position of the rectum and anus is altered, which can create difficulty with controlling or passing bowel movements.
- Pain medications taken for tailbone pain (or other conditions) can cause constipation, internal bleeding within the stomach and intestines, etc.
Dr. Foye’s Top Tip on the topic of bowel/rectal problems and tailbone pain:
- Probably the most important thing to notice on this topic is whether the times when the tailbone pain is most severe do (or do not) match with bowel movements or bowel/rectal symptoms.
To come to Dr. Foye’s Tailbone Pain Center:
- Get expert medical care for your tailbone pain. Here’s what you need know: https://tailbonedoctor.com/prepare-for-your-visit/
Tailbone Pain Book:
To get your copy of Dr. Foye’s book, “Tailbone Pain Relief Now!” click on this link: www.TailbonePainBook.com
Book: “Tailbone Pain Relief Now! Causes and Treatments for Your Sore or Injured Coccyx” by Patrick Foye, M.D.
Founder and Director at Tailbone Pain Center
Dr. Foye is an expert at treating tailbone pain (coccyx pain).
His personable, private-practice office is located on a modern, renowned, academic medical school campus, at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
For an appointment, call 973-972-2802.
https://tailbonedoctor.com/
His personable, private-practice office is located on a modern, renowned, academic medical school campus, at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
For an appointment, call 973-972-2802.
https://tailbonedoctor.com/
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