Pain at the buttocks / anus
Frequently, pain in the coccyx is associated with changes in the bottom or anus. In some cases, the pain is caused by a deep-seated lumbar disc herniation, which encompasses the nerves of the buttocks and coccyx region. On the other hand, severe flatulence and diarrhoea can irritate the mucous membrane and muscles of the anus and trigger increased traction forces on the coccyx by connecting the sphincter muscle to the coccyx.
Usually, these pains occur in direct connection with the emptying of the bowel and then subside after a short time. But other diseases of the buttocks also cause pain in the coccyx. A perianal vein occlusion, which suddenly causes severe pain, can radiate into the coccyx.
Larger hemorrhoids or anal fissures at the anus are also extremely painful and, due to their proximity to the coccyx, are often painful there. Another reason for coccyx pain can be a coccyx fistula, which can often occur in the immediate vicinity of the anus. The fistula creates a direct connection between the skin surface and the underlying coccyx, which can lead to infections of the periosteum and the surrounding tissue in combination with pain.
The pelvic floor with its numerous ligaments and muscles has an important function in the human body. It not only closes off the abdominal cavity at the bottom and bears the load of the abdominal organs, but also contains the sphincters of the urethra and the anus and structures of the sexual tract. The coccyx is used by the pelvic floor as a starting point for muscles and ligaments.
The muscles of the pelvic floor that are directly attached to the coccyx are the Musculus levator ani and the Musculus coccygeus, both of which are required for bowel evacuation. In addition, the anococcygeal ligament with the sphincter ani externus muscle is attached to the coccyx. Pain in the coccyx can be caused by weakness of the muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor.
Since the coccyx has to withstand a comparatively high load for its size, irritation and pain occur there very quickly. Causes of weakness of the pelvic floor can be a general, hereditary or aging induced weakness of the connective tissue. Too much weight in the abdominal cavity, due to pregnancy or overweight, can also cause pressure and thus pain in the coccyx again, regardless of the condition of the pelvic floor.
