Coccydynia, commonly called tailbone pain or coccyx pain, is a fairly rare and relatively poorly understood condition that can cause persistent pain at the very bottom of the spine. This part of the spine is the coccyx, or tailbone. Coccydynia is felt as a localized pain and will generally feel worse when sitting or with any activity that puts pressure on the bottom area of the spine.
Coccydynia may be referred to in various terms, such as:
- Coccygodynia
- Coccygeal pain
- Coccyx pain
- Coccyaglia
- Tailbone pain
The various terms are all used to describe a set of symptoms in the tailbone that can be caused by various injuries or conditions. Treatment may vary depending on the underlying cause of the symptoms and the severity and duration of the symptoms. The condition is much more common in women than men. It is usually caused by local trauma (e.g. a fall) or giving birth. On rare occasions, an infection or tumor can also cause pain in the coccyx.
Coccydynia Symptoms and Treatments :
Coccydynia symptoms may consist of one or all of the following:
- Pain that is markedly worse when sitting
- Local pain in the tailbone area that is worse when touched or when any pressure is placed on it
- Pain that is worse when moving from a sitting to standing position
- Pain that is worse with constipation and feels better after a bowel movement
Treatments :
A combination of non-surgical physiotherapy treatment to reduce the pain and activity modification to keep pressure off the tailbone usually suffices to control or alleviate the pain.
Treatments for coccydynia are usually noninvasive and local. The first line of treatment typically includes Physiotherapy.
- Non-Surgical LASER – especially Class IV LASER is very effective in relieving the inflammation around the coccyx which is deep seated.
- Ultrasonic Waves over the tender area to relieve Pain
- Contrast Treatment
- Avoiding sitting for prolonged periods, or placing any pressure on the area, as much as possible.
- Typically no exercise works for Coccydynia as there are no muscles surrounding the are.
- Sitting Postural Correction is very useful to avoid weight coming on the coccyx which is not meant for weight bearing at all.
- A custom pillow to help take pressure off the coccyx when sitting. Some find a donut-shaped pillow works well, and for others it is not the right shape and still puts pressure on the coccyx. Many prefer a foam pillow that is more of a U-shape or V-shape (with the back open so nothing touches the coccyx). Any type of pillow or sitting arrangement that keeps pressure off the coccyx is ideal.
- If the tailbone pain is caused or increased with bowel movements or constipation, then stool softeners and increased fiber and water intake is recommended.
