Injuries to the tailbone, also known as the coccyx, are common and can result in significant discomfort. This small bone at the very bottom of the spine supports body weight when seated. While pain in the tailbone area is a primary symptom, such injuries can sometimes lead to less obvious issues, including difficulties with bowel movements.
The Tailbone-Bowel Connection
The coccyx is positioned close to the rectum and serves as an anchor for various pelvic floor muscles, including the levator ani and anal muscles. These muscles support pelvic organs and maintain proper bowel function. An injury to the tailbone can cause the surrounding pelvic floor muscles to tense up or spasm, affecting their normal operation.
Several nerves originate from the sacral plexus in the lower spine, near the coccyx, such as the pudendal nerve. The pudendal nerve controls sensation and motor function in the pelvic region, directly innervating pelvic floor muscles and anal sphincters. Damage or inflammation in the coccyx area can disrupt nerve signaling, impairing muscle actions needed for controlled bowel movements. When the coccyx is injured, the angle of attachment for these muscles might change, leading to tightness or weakness.
How Bowel Movements Can Be Affected
A tailbone injury can affect bowel movements in several specific ways. One common issue is constipation, which can arise because pain makes defecation difficult, leading individuals to avoid bowel movements. Muscle tension or dysfunction in the pelvic floor, as a result of the injury, can also affect peristalsis or the ability to relax the muscles necessary for stool passage.
Individuals may experience pain during defecation due to pressure on the injured coccyx or surrounding inflamed tissues. This pain can be sharp as stool passes through the pelvic region. In some cases, if nerve damage or muscle weakness significantly impacts sphincter control, fecal incontinence, or accidental bowel leakage, can occur. The injury may also lead to changes in bowel frequency or consistency.
When to Seek Medical Help
Any persistent or worsening bowel issues following a tailbone injury warrant medical evaluation. Consulting a doctor is important to diagnose the specific cause of these symptoms. For instance, severe or worsening pain during bowel movements should prompt a medical visit.
If you experience persistent constipation or diarrhea that does not improve, or any signs of fecal incontinence, seek medical attention. New or unexplained numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or groin area may indicate nerve compression and warrants assessment. A healthcare provider can determine the extent of the injury and recommend treatments, which might include pain management or physical therapy.