Why Does it Feel Like There's a Pole Up My Butt?

By Shannon Strauch, PTA, STMT-1 on 5/17/2024

Feeling like there is a pole up your butt can be a distressing and uncomfortable sensation. This feeling is often associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, where the muscles in the pelvic region are not working correctly. Pelvic floor therapy can be an effective treatment for addressing these symptoms.

Gastrointestinal Issues

• Hemorrhoids

  : Swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus can cause pressure and discomfort, leading to a sensation of fullness.

• Anal Fissures

  : Small tears in the lining of the anus can cause pain and a feeling of something being lodged in the rectum.

• Rectal Prolapse

  : A condition where part of the rectal wall protrudes through the anus, causing a sensation of fullness and pressure.

• Constipation

  : Severe or chronic constipation can lead to a buildup of stool, causing a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the rectal area.

Neurological Conditions

• Pudendal Neuralgia

  : Irritation or damage to the pudendal nerve can cause pain and abnormal sensations in the pelvic and rectal area.

• Coccygodynia

  : Pain in the coccyx or tailbone area, often after trauma or prolonged sitting, can lead to discomfort and sensations radiating to the rectum.

Musculoskeletal Issues

• Piriformis Syndrome

  : Tightness or spasms in the piriformis muscle can compress the sciatic nerve, leading to referred pain and sensations in the pelvic and rectal area.

• Sacral Dysfunction

  : Issues with the sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine, can cause pain and abnormal sensations in the pelvic region.

• Back Surgery or Pelvic Fractures

Inflammatory Conditions

• Proctitis

  : Inflammation of the lining of the rectum can cause discomfort and a sensation of fullness.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

  : Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to rectal discomfort and sensations of pressure.

Gynecological Conditions

• Endometriosis

  : The presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus can cause pain and pressure in the pelvic region, including the rectum.

• Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

  : Enlarged veins in the pelvis can cause a feeling of fullness and pressure.

Psychological Factors

• Anxiety and Stress

  : High levels of stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension throughout the body, including the pelvic floor, contributing to discomfort and abnormal sensations.

Other Medical Conditions

• Tumors or Masses

  : Benign or malignant growths in the pelvic region can cause pressure and a sensation of fullness in the rectal area.

• Infections

  : Infections such as abscesses in the rectal area can cause pain and a sensation of fullness.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience persistent or severe sensations of fullness or pressure in the rectal area, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging or other diagnostic tests, to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

Pelvic floor therapy involves a range of techniques designed to address muscle dysfunction, relieve tension, and improve overall pelvic health. Here’s how it can help with the sensation of feeling like there's a pole up your butt:

1. Manual Therapy

   : Pelvic floor therapists use manual techniques to release tight muscles and fascia, reducing tension and alleviating abnormal sensations. This can include internal and external muscle manipulation.

2. Biofeedback

   : Biofeedback devices help patients become aware of their pelvic floor muscle activity. Learning to relax these muscles can help reduce the sensation of fullness and pressure.

3. Trigger Point Release

   : Specific techniques to release myofascial trigger points can alleviate referred pain and abnormal sensations.

4. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

   : A tailored exercise program can help balance the pelvic floor muscles, improving their function and reducing symptoms.

5. Education and Behavioral Modifications

   : Therapists can provide guidance on posture, body mechanics, and daily habits that may contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.

6. Relaxation Techniques

   : Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can help reduce overall muscle tension and improve pelvic floor function.

When to Seek Pelvic Floor Therapy

If you experience persistent sensations of pressure or fullness in the rectal area and have ruled out other medical conditions with your healthcare provider, consulting a pelvic floor therapist can be beneficial. A therapist can conduct a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your symptoms.

Conclusion

The sensation of feeling like there's a pole up your butt is often linked to pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor therapy offers a range of techniques to relieve muscle tension, address nerve issues, and improve overall pelvic health, which can help alleviate this distressing symptom.

If you have more questions or need further information on this topic, feel free to reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment! Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com.

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