How does an anal fissure cause the anal sphincter to spasm?

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Anal fissures can lead to delayed pain after bowel movements, often due to spasms of the anal sphincter. This pain typically begins about 30 minutes post-bowel movement, and it is linked to the contraction of the sphincter as a protective reflex triggered by the sensitive nerve endings in the fissured anoderm. The discussion highlights that these spasms are part of a reflex arc, which operates independently of the brain, meaning that even in cases of brain death, the sphincter could still spasm in response to bowel movements or medical examinations. The complexity of this reflex mechanism raises questions about the underlying processes and the role of the spinal cord in mediating such responses.
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I have an anal fissure. When I have a bowel movement, I don't feel any pain while I'm having the bowel movement or even a few minutes later. I start to feel pain about 30 minutes after the bowel movement. I have researched this on the internet, and I have discovered that my delayed pain after a bowel movement is a result of my anal sphincter spasming. This delayed pain after a bowel movement as a result of anal sphincter spasms is apparently fairly common with anal fissures.

What I don't understand is why would a bowel movement cause the anal sphincter to spasm.

When a person has an anal fissure, why does his or her anal sphincter spasm after a bowel movement?
 
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The spasm is actually caused by action of contraction of sphinters,that is a part of reflex arc,due to the highly sensitive sensory action of fissured anoderm.This is a protective reflex,infact dre and proctoscopy is contraindicated in this medical condition.
 
prasant, you started "the spasm is actually caused by action of contraction of sphincters." Well, yeah, a spasm is a contraction. That does not explain anything to me. Then you said the contraction of sphincters is part of a reflex arc, due to the highly sensitive sensory action of fissured anoderm. What in the nation does that mean?
 
What is a reflex arc?
 
bluemoonKY said:
What is a reflex arc?


We think all actions are results from signals send from the brain. That's not always the case. Other originate from the spinal cord. A reflex is purely mediated through the spinal cord.
 
bluemoonKY said:
prasant, you started "the spasm is actually caused by action of contraction of sphincters." Well, yeah, a spasm is a contraction. That does not explain anything to me. Then you said the contraction of sphincters is part of a reflex arc, due to the highly sensitive sensory action of fissured anoderm. What in the nation does that mean?


It means that if I suffer brain death, my anal sphincter will still suffer spasm whenever I have bowel motions or when a doctor does a digital rectal exam on me. I won't feel the pain though cause I'll be brain dead remember? :)
 

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