Coccydynia:Pain at tail bone area is a common problem specially in females who are a little obese.The coccyx(terminal part of spine) is a weight bearing area when we sit.In case of inflammation arround it ,becomes painful and is difficult to manage as sitting can't be avoided.
The causes may range from post-traumatic,infection, spasm ,post child birth(instrumented delivery),prolonged sitting on hard surfaces,degenerative changes etc.Diagnosis is mostly clinical and no tests are required.X rays sometimes can be asked if there is history of trauma.MRI scans are helpful in refractory cases.
Treatment: 90 percent of times it becomes fine with conservative treatment.1.Anti-inflammatory medications, nerve modulators2.Special Cushions to offload that area3.Sitz bath(sitting in warm water tub)4.Tender massage5.pelvic floor exercises6.Avoid wearing of heels (as it tilts pevis and makes coccyx vertical)7.Physiotherapy:electrical stimulationRefractory cases may require local injection and surgery(removal of coccyx) is rarely required.Dr Abhishek KumarConsultant orthopaedics and joint replacementDNB (ortho), D(ortho) MNAMS(ortho)8800446711