Coccyx or tailbone as the name suggests, is the bone at the very bottom of your spine. A localized pain around your tailbone is medically called coccydynia or coccyx pain or coccygeal pain. In simple terms it is called tailbone pain. Tailbone pain often worsens when sitting or with any physical activity that exerts pressure on the bottom of the spine. In this health article we discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of tailbone pain.
Causes of tailbone pain
Direct trauma to the coccyx such as dislocation, bruising, fracture, or dislocation
Damage to the ligaments or bony segments of the coccyx
Trauma to the buttocks, such as accidental falls with landing in a seated position or falling from the stairs
Extreme pressure on the coccyx leading to forceful backward movement/push of the coccyx beyond its normal range of motion
Being pregnant or overweight
Anatomical changes in the coccyx
Coccyx bone spurs - Thickened or bony overgrowth near the tip of the tailbone leading to change in its length and/or normal angulation
Coccygeal arthritis
Hyperactivity of the pelvic floor muscles
Coccygeal infections and tumors (very rare)
Symptoms of tailbone pain
The primary symptoms of tailbone pain include:
Pain while sitting - Sitting on both soft and hard surfaces may elicit localized pain around your tailbone
Pain while partly reclining
Pain on standing up from a seated posture
Based on the cause and severity, the pain can be mild to severe and can vary between sharp shooting pain, dull ache, or a stabbing pain.
More specific symptoms of tailbone pain include:
Pain around the tailbone that is relieved by decreasing the amount of weight on the tailbone by leaning on one buttock or leaning forward
Localized pain or an aching soreness that can range from mild to severe, generally confined to the tailbone and does not radiate through the pelvis or to the lower extremities
Constant discomfort or tightness around the tailbone, or intermittent pain that may come and go with movement or pressure
Pain that worsens when moving from sitting to standing
Pain that may increase with sexual intercourse or bowel movement
Treatment of tailbone pain
In about 90% of cases, tailbone pain can be successfully treated by non-surgical treatments. The treatments often include activity modification and non-invasive measures such as:
Painkillers and common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or COX-2 inhibitors
Applying heating pads or cold-pack (ice-pack) several times a day
Alterations in everyday activities such as using a pillow to take the weight off the coccyx while sitting, standing desk to avoid prolonged sitting, or adjusting posture so weight is taken off the tailbone when sitting
Supportive customized pillows - Wedge-shaped or U- or V-shaped pillows, or pillows with a cutout or hole where the tailbone is to keep pressure off the coccyx
Increased fiber and water intake, or using stool softeners to avoid worsening of the pain due to bowel movements
Consultation and treatment by healthcare providers including physical therapy or chiropractic sessions to help manage or alleviate coccyx pain
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