Relieving a real pain in the backside

Following the last column on the subject of constipation, I received more questions and comments than expected, highlighting how many people are affected by this problem.

Many readers were asking if the treatment that had been so successful for the little girl outlined in the case study, was as effective for adults.

The answer differs from case to case. This is why a detailed case history is essential in establishing the likely problem.

As discussed in the article, there are many factors that can affect the regularity of bowel movements in individuals, but ensuring optimal lumbar and pelvic function will only assist the neural outflow to the bowel.

I have treated many adults over the years who presented with constipation as the primary complaint, but many patients unsurprisingly report this additional benefit following treatment for a low back problem.

One memorable patient comes to mind when discussing this subject. The treatment had such an immediate effect, we had to ensure no-one was in the loo so she could dash in! This was usually after a particularly long time without going, in some cases up to two weeks.

Not terribly healthy. Due to the interest generated from this subject we are going to stay in this region for another column.

I have recently taken on a new patient who wrote to me regarding a somewhat delicate issue. He stated that because of the nature of the last column he felt able to contact me to ask for advice.

This gentleman reported suffering a chronic deep rectal ache. The symptoms he reported are identical to a man I treated over seven years ago.

The patient was in his late sixties and had been suffering for approximately three years. The ache was intense at times reaching a nine out of ten on a scale of severity.

The pain was present most of the time but the patient felt it was worse following physical activity and sitting down. He had consulted his GP and been referred for investigations to establish the cause.

Investigations were many and included an abdominal radiograph, a prostate examination and blood tests, a barium enema and a colonoscopy.

The prostate had been eliminated as a possible cause. A few small polyps were discovered and removed but were not felt to be responsible for the pain.

Indeed, following the removal of the polyps, no improvement was reported. Both consultants had discharged him, informing him that everything was in good order and they were confident there was no sinister cause for his symptoms. Obviously relieved but still in pain, he consulted myself.

At the stage when we met all the investigations had been performed and everyone was satisfied that there was nothing serious or sinister causing the pain.

Following our consultation I was suspicious about a biomechanical cause. I was looking for some specific findings on examination involving the sacroiliac joints and the associated deep ligaments.

Despite the symptoms feeling very central to the patient, to me the possible cause was very one sided. The patient had a completely seized right pelvic joint and very tight deep ligamentous involvement on the same side.

The patient had no awareness of any pain or restriction over the joint in the normal region that most patients report.

Following the first treatment within three hours the deep rectal ache had eased. Following the second treatment the rectal pain had gone completely.

The cause had been tension on the deep pelvic floor muscles and ligaments around the rectum caused by the torsion and imbalance in the pelvis. Once the sacroiliac joint was moving normally again, there was less strain on the associated muscles and ligaments and hence an ease in the symptoms. Marvellous.

The new patient and myself are optimistic of a similar outcome. I will feed back as soon as possible. Please keep your questions and comments coming either by e-mailing ilkleychiropractic@tiscali.co.uk or calling me at Ilkley Chiropractic Clinic on 605060.