I don't think it's TMI because bowl or urinary problems could be part of spine issues. This is hard to answer as we don't know if you had surgery or not, can't remember sorry. If you've had lumbar surgery I would mention it to your surgeon. I have had stabs of pain there and also my groin with my back condition but nothing interferes with the usual going to the bathroom, and doesn't last long. Do you take a muscle relaxant? If you still have issues you could get a referral from your Primary Dr. to see a GI Dr. How're you doing now? Take care. Charry

I get it about once a month; sometimes because I'm constipated, I think, but sometimes for no apparent reason. I can completely relate to the hot knife!! What I have found can ease it is a frozen gel pack; I "wedge" it into my butt and then do some deep breathing through it...I agree that it can make your spine pain feel like nothing when it happens!! I've never had anybody able to give me an answer to why it happens, but it happens. You're not alone...just get a little gel pack in the freezer and be ready to use it!!

Tracy

No, no surgeries. I can sometimes feel the pain all the way into my knees.

Hah, I have several cold packs in the freezer at all times. I did have one of those awful spasms a couple of weeks ago. Now it's a constant, very distracting pain, sort of like a really bad toothache in the rear end.

I do take Soma at night & I am allowed to take 1/2 during the day.

I'm trying warm baths & topicals now.

I forgot that I was prescribed Proctodan-HC, which is for hemorrhoids, but does ease the pain sometimes.

Sassy and for that matter anyone,
that is experiencing bowel or bladder pains that they did not have, along with increased numbness or spreading numbness, changes in the ability to initiate or maintain bladder or bowel emptying, inability to start, continue or stop bladder or bowel flow, leaking not experienced before the onset of back problems, diminished or absent reflexes, foot drop, shooting pain down the back of the legs, numbness in the genital area or the inner thighs or both should contact their surgeon immediately and let them know that you are experiencing these symptoms. It may be the onset of Cauda Equina Syndrome, which is a surgical emergency. Failure to be seen and evaluated for this, can lead to paralysis, permanent nerve damage which can lead to having to self cath for the rest of your life, bowel or bladder programs, incontinence and a whole slew of other problems.
Don't let embarrassment get in the way. Contact your surgeon and let him decide if it is or isn't Cauda Equina Syndrome.
Sandi

For the last 8-10 years I've experienced extremely painful cramps in (and occasionally around) my rectum. They usually happened about every two to three months, lasting for 30-45 minutes. It frequently felt like somebody had shoved a broomstick up my backside.

Now that I'm regularly taking Vicodin (3-4 per day) I very rarely feel these cramps. When I do, they are still painful, but not as bad as when I wasn't taking anything for pain.

I have had rectal pain for about 2 years on a steady basis. I've gone through pain management and I know how frustrated you must be. I did A LOT of research on the internet and found out that there is alot of information on this. You ARE NOT alone. I'm asking my doctor to put me on Cymbalta which is very good for nerve pain. Keep your bowels open and moving as much as you can. STRESS can bring this on I read. Also anixety, fibromyalgia, and other stress related factors can cause pain. I would start the Cymbalta at 30mgs for 2 weeks and then go to 60mgs and your pain should settle. Good luck.

My PCP put me on Xanaflex, that seemed to do it. I'm not sure if that stopped it or that was coincidence.

My PM doesn't think it could have been caused by my spine.

In retrospect, I have to wonder if it was more a matter of using Ally with IBS that triggered the whole thing.

My heart goes out to anyone with this kind of pain, it's the kind that can't be ignored, even for a few moments.

thanks so much for posting! I am so sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I hope that you will get some relief soon.
My own experience right now is that I have had 2 surgeries this year. a 2 level cervical fusion in January and a TLIF on L 4-5 in May.
I am just a month in recovery. I am experiencing burning and stabbing pain from my low back thru the middle of my buttocks, including the rectal area and stretching thru the front.
I am getting some relief from ice packs and my meds. I just called my surgeon's office today since the pain had increased.
If anyone has any info or advice I would be very interested.
I am so thankful for this site and all of you wonderful people!