What triggers tailbone discomfort, and how can I relieve it?
Tailbone pain, which is discomfort in or around the coccyx, the bony structure at the base of the spine, can be brought on by a fall, protracted sitting on a hard surface, degenerative joint changes, or vaginal childbirth.
When performing particular tasks, such as sitting, getting up from a seated posture to stand, or standing for an extended period of time, tailbone pain can feel dull and achy but usually becomes intense. Sex and defecation can both be painful. Menstruation can be difficult for women who have tailbone discomfort.
The little triangular bone at the base of your spinal column, above the cleft of your buttocks, is where the “coccydynia,” or tailbone discomfort, is felt.
The word “coccyx” is derived from the Greek for “cuckoo” because it resembles a bird’s beak with the tip pointed downward. Coccydynia literally translates to “pain of the coccyx” because the Greek word “dynia” means “pain.” Furthermore, the bone is referred to as the “tailbone” because it is located where an animal’s tail would be.
What is a tailbone or coccyx?
A fused three to five vertebrae make up your coccyx (bones). A bone structure at the base of your spine called the sacrum is where it is located. It has connections with several tendons, muscles, and ligaments. When you sit down, your pelvis’ bottom two bones—the coccyx and ischial tuberosities—both support your weight. Although a coccyx that curves slightly rather than pointing down is present in two-thirds of individuals, a coccyx that curves excessively is unnatural and unpleasant.
My tailbone hurts why is that?
From a gentle aching to a sharp stabbing sensation, tailbone pain can vary. Weeks, months, or even longer may pass throughout it. Pain in the tailbone might result from three different situations:
• External Trauma:
A fall-related coccyx injury that results in bruising, breaking, or dislocation.
Internal trauma includes the kind that results from a challenging delivery or from spending too much time seated on a small or rough surface.
• Other conditions:
infection, abscess, and malignancies.
Fascinatingly, the cause of coccydynia is unknown in one-third of cases.
Coccydynia, or back discomfort, is it a lifelong condition?
No. Rarely does tailbone pain persist forever.
Coccydynia, or discomfort in the tailbone, how common?
The tailbone frequently hurts.
The likelihood of a woman developing coccydynia is five times greater than a man’s. More often than children, adults and teenagers experience it. According to the BMI (Body Mass Index) measure, people who are obese are three times more vulnerable than those who are at the appropriate weight. In addition, if you shed pounds too soon, you become more exposed.
What causes tailbone discomfort, also known as coccydynia?
Who among us has not tripped and landed on their behind?
On the ice, perhaps your feet gave way under you. Perhaps a ladder is where you fell. In your office chair, perhaps you were leaning too far back and fell. It’s possible to fracture, dislocate, or bruise your tailbone if you fall particularly hard (coccyx).
Accidental Repetitive Strain (RSI)
It’s necessary to slouch and stretch your spine while participating in sports like rowing and cycling. The tissues surrounding your coccyx may be strained if you do that move again too often.
Pregnancy/Childbirth
A woman’s body releases hormones that soften the region between the sacrum and the coccyx during the third trimester of pregnancy. In order to do this,
when giving delivery, the coccyx can move as needed. Despite the fact that this is a natural function, the movement may potentially overstretch the muscles and ligaments surrounding the coccyx, leading to more discomfort. Because of the stress placed on those soft tissues, your coccyx is unable to be supported at the proper angle.
Obesity
The coccyx is pressed even harder by greater weight. Coccyxes may slant rearward as a result of this. If it’s misaligned, your tailbone will pain.
Underweight
Your coccyx may rub against the muscles, ligaments, and tendons if your buttocks don’t have enough fat to avoid that. The rubbing irritates the soft tissues.
Sitting
Even this small action can aggravate coccyx pain, particularly if you’re sitting on a hard or constrained surface. Even better, use a cushioned seat or look for a softer, more pleasant area to sit.
Cancer
Pain in the tailbone only occasionally indicates malignancy. It is really unlikely.
What signs and symptoms indicate coccydynia, or discomfort in the tailbone?
The following are examples of coccydynia symptoms:
• A sharp or aching discomfort in the tailbone.
• More intense discomfort when getting out of a sitting position and standing.
• Pain that is more intense after prolonged sitting.
• Pain during bowel motions.
• Aches and pains during sexual activity.
Anxiety and depression are additional associated symptoms that could accompany coccydynia.
• Restlessness.
• Buttock pain.
Is coccydynia, or discomfort in the tailbone, a pregnancy sign?
Your pelvic space is pressed under the weight of the growing foetus, which results in pain there.
Rectal pain from coccydynia (tailbone pain) is it possible?
Yes, a chronic coccydynia is a factor in the development of rectal pain.
Can you have coccydynia with menstruation?
Typically, a woman’s period makes tailbone discomfort worse.
back; lower back. Apply a couple of times daily for no more than 20 to 30 minutes.
Dressing in baggy attire.
Tailbone discomfort (coccydynia) is treated in an outpatient setting using:
• Coccygeal nerve block
, which involves numbing agents and steroids to reduce inflammation, to block the area’s nerve supply.
Therapy with massage (usually only provides temporary relief).
• Physical therapist
-led stretches and posture-improvement drills.
Acupuncture. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation).
Partial coccygectomy
(removal of a portion of the coccyx) is one surgical option. This is very uncommon.
• Total coccygectomy
, a very uncommon procedure that involves removing the entire coccyx.
• The healing process following a coccygectomy may take many months or perhaps a year. Unfortunately, even once the bone has been removed, there is no guarantee that the pain will go away. Once more, this process is uncommon.
• In addition to addressing and treating coccydynia, other symptoms that may coexist with it include sciatica, depression, and anxiety.
When a woman is expecting, how is tailbone discomfort (coccydynia) treated?
Experiencing tailbone pain when pregnant is common. While rising and walking can also cause pain, sitting for extended periods of time can. As the foetus grows, pressure is being placed on the bone, which is why this is happening. When you sit on a coccyx cushion, physicaltherapists advise you to keep your spine neutral. By relieving some of the pressure on your coccyx, both will assist in reducing the pain.
•
Can coccydynia discomfort be relieved by walking?
• Yes. Your coccyx will experience less pressure as you stand up and move around, which will lessen pain.
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With tailbone pain (coccydynia), how should I sleep?
•
The following activities are impacted by tailbone pain: sitting, driving, bending, and sleep. In extreme circumstances, it can
reduce your quality of life significantly.
• Is it possible for a chiropractor to treat coccydynia pain?
• Yes. When a coccyx leans too far forward or back, a chiropractor can assist correct the misalignment.
How can I lower my risk of experiencing coccydynia, or back pain?
By doing the following things, you can lower your likelihood of suffering from tailbone pain: Clear all wires, loose items, and debris from your floors and walkways. A rail and good lighting should be included on every staircase. Keep your eyes off your phone when moving.
Refraining from engaging in activities like cycling and protracted sitting that aggravate symptoms.