Tailbone pain or Coccydynia is a condition when the coccyx - a small triangular bone at the bottom of the spine can be injured or bruised. This injury results in pain and discomfort while performing activities such as sitting, walking, and running.

The pain can vary depending on the intensity of the injury. Read more about the condition, its causes, and possible symptoms.

Everything You Need to Know About Tailbone Pain

As the name suggests, the tailbone is located at the bottom of the spine. It is connected to several tendons, ligaments, and bones that help the body's efficient functioning and facilitate a range of movements. This bone is crucial in bearing the weight and stress of the body while performing physical activities.

The pain near the tailbone occurs when these sets of bones or associated muscles and ligaments in the region impact the functioning of the tailbone. Stress can injure and result in wear and tear, making it painful to perform activities. Tailbone pains can be a result of internal or external injuries.

What Are the Causes of Tailbone Pain

There are several tailbone pain causes. In some cases, it can be an internal injury; in others, it can result from external damage through sudden impact or force. Here is a list of common causes of tail bone injury.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

RSI results from repetitive usage of the tailbone, adding pressure and stress on the tailbone, resulting in the same injury. Activities such as cycling and long periods of sitting can cause undue stress on the tailbone, resulting in pain in the tailbone (coccyx pain).

Falling

The risk of falling is one of the most common reasons for a tailbone injury. In cases where people fall on their buttocks, the tailbone absorbs the impact of the fall. This intensive pulse of effects can cause the bones and cartilage in the tailbone to shatter or break, resulting in coccyx pain.

Sitting on a Hard Surface

An act as simple as sitting can cause tailbone pain. Sitting on hard surfaces for a long time can add pressure to the tailbone as there is minimal cushioning. This pressure over time can result in inflammation of the tailbone and coccyx pain.

Pregnancy/Childbirth

In the third trimester of pregnancy, the body secretes hormones that soften the area between the sacrum and coccyx. This aids in free movement during childbirth. However, this can have a negative impact as it makes the tailbone more vulnerable to stress and injury.

Hemorrhoids

In an individual with hemorrhoids, the tissue that acts as a cushion near the anal opening is inflamed and pushed against the tailbone. This can cause coccyx pain in the tailbone, adding pressure to the bones.

Your Weight

The tailbone may endure more stress if the weight is higher than that can be managed. This can add pressure on the tailbone and the spinal cord and reduce good posture. This can hurt the tailbone and result in pain due to the added stress on the region.

Cancer

In rare cases, intense tailbone pain can be a sign of cancer. However, it is very uncommon.

Chordoma

Chordoma is a condition where a cancerous tumor grows on the tip of the tailbone, skull, or spinal cord. It can cause pain in the tailbone as cancer grows and address pressure on the joints. This can result in deterioration of the tailbone cartilage and inflammation in nearby joints. Its symptoms are often noticeable growth in mass, numbness in the groin region, bladder issues, and weakness in the legs.

What Are the Symptoms of Tailbone Pain

Like most illnesses, tailbone pain has common symptoms that can vary based on the type of injury and medical history. Here is a set of common symptoms of the same.

In most cases, there is a numbing pain in the tailbone area near the end of the spine and your buttocks. This can be sensitive to touch and pressure.

Other symptoms are shooting pain while sitting or standing up, walking, and performing other activities. Can feel coccyx pain in the tailbone region during sexual activities and bowel movements.

Other symptoms can also be a pain in the buttocks, weakness in the legs, chronic back pain, and poor sleep.

Treatments for Tailbone Pain

 Can treat Tailbone pain through several different methods. While rest is an essential factor in the condition, medication, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care also be effective treatments for coccyx pain.

It is essential to understand the condition and its cause, treat it effectively, and reduce any future complications.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Tailbone Pain Treatment

Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers can help manage tailbone pain treatment. They can help reduce inflammation in the tailbone region and increase blood flow. This can also help reduce pain in the muscles in the area.

Correct Sitting Position to Treat Tailbone Pain

Posture is a necessary treatment for tailbone pain. Ensuring the person maintains good posture while sitting and working and taking breaks between long sitting periods can help reduce the coccyx pain and help strengthen the bones.

Using chairs and mattresses that are soft and offer support can reduce coccyx pain in the tailbones.

Guided Exercise and Stretches for Tailbone Pain Treatment

Exercises are essential in strengthening the tailbone and the muscles in the lower back region. This can help reduce the frequency of injuries to the tailbone and the muscles. Tailbone pain relief can help improve movement in the lower back and help flexion of the condition.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an effective treatment plan for tailbone injuries. It not only improves mobility but also reduces inflammation and strengthens the muscles. Physiotherapy offers massages and heat and cold therapy, which can help manage pain, provide comfort, and strengthen the muscles and bones in the region.

Surgical Options for Tailbone Pain Treatment

In some instances, surgery might be considered to help manage ligament tears or muscle injuries in the tailbone area. Surgery may be suggested if there is any damage to the cartilage in the bones to ease pain and achieve tailbone pain relief.

Treat Tailbone Pain With Physiotattva

We at Physiotattva offer a comprehensive treatment plan that involves medical intervention and physiotherapy. Tailbone pain can be managed through exercises and support in the rehabilitation process with the assistance of a physical therapist.

Our state-of-the-art diagnosis processes can help you understand the condition in depth and offer a clear recovery plan. Reach out to our experts to learn more about tailbone pain relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my tailbone hurt?

Your tailbone may hurt when there is an injury to it. This can be a result of a high impact on the tailbone. It can also be due to damage to the ligaments or muscles in the region.

Can tailbone pain be cured?

Tailbone pain can be managed effectively with the right kind of rehabilitation. It can be ordered through rest, medication, and physiotherapy. The tailbone is prone to injury and can be a recurring thing. However, tailbone pain relief can be managed through strengthening exercises.