Coccyx Pain
The tailbone, also called the Coccyx, is a bony structure found at the base of the vertebral column. It is actually four bones fused together. Despite its size, it is one of the most important parts of your body as it incorporates multiple muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Along with the Ischial Tuberosities (also known as the ‘Sit’ bone), it helps you support your weight while in a sitting position.
Because of the tiny size of this bone and its delicate position it is common for it to become strained or injured, which can be very painful. This condition is called Coccydynia—it can affect individuals of all ages and either gender, however, some groups will be more susceptible. It is largely prevalent in people over 40, with obesity is another huge contributor. Pregnant women also often find they have symptoms of Coccydynia toward the end of their final trimester.
The condition is caused mainly by trauma to the coccyx area, perhaps through:
- Constant sitting on hard or uncomfortable surfaces.
- A direct impact on the tailbone, e.g. a fall.
- Fracture during childbirth.
- Constant friction against the tailbone due to sports or activities such as horseback riding, cycling, rowing, etc.
If you suffer from Coccydynia you will often feel shooting, sharp aching pain in the lowest part of your spine when you sit, move from a sitting to standing position or exert any pressure on the coccyx area.
Treatment options
Here is what you should do to control the pain and work towards long-term comfort:
- Cold/hot Packs: Placing heat or ice packs on the sore area several times a day for the first few days after the symptoms arise will numb or soothe the area.
- Avoid putting pressure on the coccyx: You must avoid sitting for long periods of time. When sitting, avoid hard surfaces position your knees so that they are lower than your hips to avoid putting your weight directly on your tailbone.
- Ergonomic chairs: There are modifiable chairs and seat cushions available to suit your comfort. To reduce pressure on your coccyx, you can choose a chair with a seat featuring a coccyx cut out or extra foam. Good examples are the RH Logic chair which features adjustable air cushions and the Arkstore Coccyx Cushion.
- Foam cushions: A foam seat cushion can be a great investment as it is portable and transferable from seat to seat. It is perfectly sized help you deal with your needs as you travel, at work and at home. These cushions also improve your posture by helping you maintain lower knees than hips whilst seating.
- Exercises: Pelvic floor exercises, stomach strengthening exercises, weightless squats and hip stretches are a just a few things that will help you gain relief in the long term.
- Surgery: This is very rarely suggested. It is recommended only when the pain is not controlled despite constant care, exercises and physiotherapy. During Coccyx surgery, a portion of the tailbone is removed to provide relief from pressure and the subsequent pain.