title: Levator ani syndrome - a case study and literature review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although anorectal symptoms are a common problem seen in general practice, general practitioners may sometimes encounter patients presenting with anorectal pain without a detectable cause.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article discusses a case of recurrent anorectal pain in a young woman due to levator ani syndrome, and the current evidence for treatment of levator ani syndrome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Levator ani syndrome usually presents with recurrent or chronic rectal pain without detectable organic pathology. Digital massage, sitz bath, muscle relaxants, electrogalvanic stimulation and biofeedback are the treatment modalities most frequently described in the literature.
authors.affiliation: Kowloon West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, China. chingluen@yahoo.com.hk
authors.forename: Ching Luen
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Ng
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000503:physiopathology; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001004:Anus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D001494:Baths; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013035:Spasm; D013577:Syndrome
chemical_list: D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen; D003975:Diazepam