Tailbone Pain / Causes and Therapy Options

ORTHOPEDICS/HIP & KNEE/HIP DAMAGES

About Coccydynia

Tailbone pain (coccydynia) can arise following to a shock to the tailbone (a.k.a. coccyx)  also called vaginal childbirth or degenerative joint modifications.

Coccydynia is one of the most painful feelings and can be inactivating. Coccydynia arises when sitting, standing for a long period and rising suddenly from a seated position.

Pain occurs during energetic movements and sex. Uneasiness can follow as well and swings up and down.

The tailbone is the attachment pivot for various muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

The tailbone consists of three, four, or five small bones, called coccygeal vertebral bones; these bones are situated at the very end of the spinal column, below the sacrum (a triangle-shaped bone located between the two hipbones).

Tailbone Pain / Coccydynia Causes

Violent shock and recurrent strain to the coccyx are the most frequent pain cause.

Other possibilities to be considered:

Trauma:

Tailbone pain may be the result of a backward fall on your bottom or another sort of shock to your coccyx that inflames the ligaments in the tailbone zone.

The damage severity may range from a coccyx bruise to a crack and rarely, a sacrococcygeal joint displacement may happen.

Vaginal Childbirth:

Vaginal childbirth is a tailborn damage that occurs especially if the delivery was difficult and forceps were used.

Classically, tailbone pain from childbirth is due to a bone bruise or ligament strain, although sometimes to a coccyx crack.

Degenerative Joint Disease:

As with bones and joints in other parts of the body, wear and tear from aging or recurrent motions can cause coccyx degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis.

Unique Coccyx Morphology:

As mentioned above, there is variability in the number of coccygeal bones in each human body; therefore, more bones mean more chance for topics.

Nerve Pain: A nerves bundle called the ganglion impar is situated in front of coccyx upper part.

Over activity or irritation of these nerves may cause chronic coccyx pain.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Spasms: Since the tailbone assists as the attachment site for a deep layer of pelvic floor muscles (called levator ani), muscle spasms and irritation can cause a dull, aching pain, frequently felt in the coccyx and higher up in the rectum.

Coccydynia Rare Causes

Though uncommon, these are other causes of tailbone pain that should be considered:

Cancer: In rare occurrences, a malignant tumor that has metastasized to the tailbone (for example, cancer from the prostate, ovaries, cervix, or colon) may be the tailbone pain source.

Also rarely, a primary bone cancer called a chordoma may arise on the coccyx or within the coccygeal area.

Inflammation: An inflammation situated in the tailbone zone, such as a pilonidal cyst, can cause puffiness and pain over the coccyx, along with redness, warmth, drainage of a thick, and whitish fluid (pus).

When visiting a Doctor

If tailbone pain is severe and unbearable, a doctor visit must be recommended at instance.

Other symptoms of tailbone pain that require wvisiting a doctor include:

Persistent pain, in spite of the conservative procedures

A lump or mass on the tailbone

Fever, redness, warmth, inflammation, or drainage of a zone near or on the tailbone

Tailbone Pain / Coccydynia Diagnosis

Although your medical history may reveal an inciting feature, like a straight fall or another shock kind to your tailbone, in this instance, a physical exam is extremely efficient in diagnosing the “why” behind your tailbone pain.

Physical Exam

During a physical exam, doctor will first inspect your tailbone for bruising, inflammation, rash, or signs of an impurity (warmth, redness, or a discharge).

Finally, doctor will press on your tailbone to check if there is any localized soreness, which could signify a potential crack.

Imaging

X-rays do not always reveal a tailbone damage.

A magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) may be prescribed to diagnose coccyx cancer or inflammation.

Tailbone Pain / Coccydynia Therapy

Most of the tailbone pain cases can be treated with simply lifestyle alterations.

Lifestyle Therapy alternatives

Here are some self-care plans you can perform at home to ease pain and help avoiding further damage.

  • Avoid Prolonged Sitting
  • Apply Ice or Heat:
  • Avoid Constipation:
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines
  • Physical Therapy

Tailbone Pain / Coccydynia Surgery

Hardly ever, a surgery called a coccygectomy (in which the coccyx is surgically removed), is performed to alleviate pain.

Prevention

While many tailbone damages cannot be prevented, it is important to use appropriate protective tools and equipment in your activities.

Note that the accurate prevention can frequently lessen the risk of damages to the tailbone.