It’s very uncomfortable, I have never ever heard that this happens from a tear. Although I don’t think I’ve had one before only a pile. The cream I’ve been prescribed is to numb the sphincter muscle which is at the opening of your bottom. Apparently if you get a tear this muscle goes into spasm causing pain and soreness across your bum, lower back etc and restricts blood flow to the tear so it can’t heal. Fingers crossed cream is in tomorrow thanks Taz x