The levator ani syndrome is a disease that significantly impedes everyday functioning. Levator ani syndrome causes chronic pain in the anus, which may become worse over time to the point of making it impossible to sit. The disease can even lead to fecal incontinence. What are the causes and other symptoms of levator ani syndrome? How is the treatment going?

Levator anus syndromestands forchronic anal pain , levator spasm, puborectal syndrome, piriformis syndrome, or painful muscle tension pelvis. In the course of the disease, excessive contraction of the levator ani muscle occurs, which, together with several other muscles, forms the pelvic diaphragm. His job, as the name suggests, is to lift the anus. In addition, it affects the function of the rectum, bringing its walls closer to each other. At the moment when the levator ani muscle undergoes excessive contraction, the rectum is also strongly compressed, which is manifested, among others, by pain.

The disease is usually diagnosed in young people (20-45 years old), more often in women than in men.

Levator anus syndrome - causes and risk factors

It is not known why levator ani contraction occurs. However, the risk factors are known:

  • sedentary lifestyle, especially frequent and prolonged driving;
  • past deliveries;
  • previous pelvic injuries;
  • operations in the pelvic area (may be a complication after rectal resection);
  • prolonged and severe stress;

Levator ani syndrome - symptoms

As a result of contraction of the levator ani muscle in the area of ​​the anus, sacrum and coccyx, the following appear:

  • pain that:

- it is distressing, it causes a feeling of "ball in the rectum"; - usually lasts no longer than 20 minutes; - it is chronic; - it is located in the upper part of the rectum; - sometimes it radiates to the buttocks and thighs; - intensifies in sitting position or stressful situations;

  • high voltage;
  • constipation;
  • fecal incontinence;

Levator anus syndrome - diagnosis

In order to diagnose the disease, a rectal examination is performed. If you experience extreme pain during the examination, this could be a sign of Levator Anal Syndrome. Manometry is also helpfulanorectal - a test that involves inserting a multi-channel flow probe into the anus and rectum to measure the pressure at the rectum, internal and external rectal sphincter. If the patient suffers from levator ani syndrome, excessive tension of the anal sphincters is noted during the examination.

Asanal painmay be a symptom of many other diseases, e.g. inflammatory bowel disease, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and even cancer, it is necessary there are also other specialized tests.

Levator anus syndrome - treatment

One of the methods of treatment is electro-galvanic stimulation of levator ani muscles with high voltage. Therapy may also include painkillers, hot baths, pelvic exercises, and massage.

Botulinum toxin (botulinum toxin) is sometimes used to infect the muscles and thus prevent cramps.

In some cases, the levator ani syndrome is treated surgically.

In order to prevent illness, it is enough to be physically active. Any, even the smallest physical exertion leads to muscle strengthening.

Category:

Gastrology