Sharp, Stabbing Pain During a Bowel Movement: Anal Fissure or Muscle Spasm?

Sharp pain during a bowel movement is a symptom that causes a lot of anxiety and stress. Many people describe it as a "knife stab" or a "severe burn," and it often lasts even after they've finished. The most important question here is: is the cause an anal fissure or just a muscle spasm in the anal area? The answer is crucial for determining the treatment plan and getting rid of the problem.

Anal Fissure: The Most Common Cause

An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the lining of the anus, which often appears as a result of passing a hard stool or chronic constipation.

Symptoms:

• Sharp, stabbing pain with every bowel movement.

• Bright red blood on toilet paper or the surface of the stool.

• The pain continues for hours after the bowel movement.

• Sphincter muscle contraction and difficulty passing stool.

For more information: Anal Fissure: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention. (Arabic)

Muscle Spasm: Tightness of the Sphincter Muscle

A muscle spasm occurs due to a sudden contraction of the anal sphincter muscle, and it often appears after a bout of constipation or a previous anal fissure injury.

Symptoms:

• Stabbing pain but for short periods.

• A feeling of constant pressure or fullness.

• Temporary difficulty passing gas or stool without obvious bleeding.

Although there isn't a separate article on muscle spasms, the anal fissure article mentioned above explains the relationship between a fissure and the occurrence of muscle spasms.

Internal Hemorrhoids: Another Possibility

Internal hemorrhoids can sometimes be a cause of bright red blood during a bowel movement and may cause discomfort or a feeling of pressure, but they rarely cause the distinctive stabbing pain of a fissure.

Symptoms:

• Bright red blood without severe pain.

• A feeling of fullness or a lump inside the rectum.

For more information: The Difference Between Internal and External Hemorrhoids: How to Tell the Difference. (Arabic)

How to Differentiate Between a Fissure and a Spasm

The Role of Diet

Diet is a major factor in preventing and relieving symptoms, whether they are a fissure, hemorrhoids, or a spasm caused by constipation.

• Fiber softens stool.

• Drinking plenty of water reduces constipation.

• Avoid spicy and fatty foods.

For more information: How Diet Affects Anal and Rectal Health. (Arabic)

Tips for At-Home Relief

• Warm Sitz baths to reduce pain and spasms.

• Use topical ointments that are pain-relieving or stool-softening, as prescribed by a doctor.

• Avoid sitting on the toilet for too long.

• Exercise daily to stimulate bowel movements.

When to See a Doctor

• If the pain is severe and persistent.

• If bleeding is recurrent with every bowel movement.

• If additional symptoms appear, such as weight loss or a fever.

Conclusion

The most common cause of sharp, stabbing pain during a bowel movement is an anal fissure, while a muscle spasm causes less severe but still annoying pain that affects elimination. Internal hemorrhoids can sometimes be part of the problem. The articles on the Hemocure website will give you a clear understanding of the causes and how to treat them.

If the pain persists or the bleeding is recurrent, a medical examination is the best solution for an accurate diagnosis and a definitive cure.