Coccyx Pain: Common Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options. Do You Have A Question? Speak To A Therapist Today. Call (24/7): 1300-003-777.
Coccyx pain is referred to as Coccydynia and is often the result of inflammation around the coccyx (tail bone) area. Pain is described as a dull ache with tenderness and is made worse when sitting for prolonged periods of time due to direct pressure upon the coccyx bone. Coccydynia can happen to anyone and for a variety of reasons. These reasons may include injury, direct trauma to the area and surrounding tissue, pregnancy-related or idiopathic (no specific or unknown cause). There are a range of problems which can mimic tailbone pain such as sciatica, infection, pelvic dysfunction or cysts so it’s imperative to have a comprehensive examination to determine the exact cause of your problem. Consultation with your general practitioner, specialist or allied health practitioner can assist.
Coccyx Pain Treatment Options
Coccyx bone pain responds extremely well to conservative management. Typical strategies include Chiropractic adjustments, relative rest, specifically designed coccyx cushions and in extreme cases pain relieving anti-inflammatory medications. Further information about each of these approaches is found below.
Chiropractic
Majority of tail bone cases are caused by coccyx, sacrum and pelvic dysfunction which responds well to conservative Chiropractic management. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques including traditional manual adjustments, gentle low-force instrument adjusting, drop-piece table or pelvic blocking that are suitable for these types of complaints.
Relative Rest
In order to reduce inflammation and pressure upon the coccyx bone, relative rest is crucial in relieving symptoms of pain. Relative rest may be as simple as not sitting down as much or not performing some of your regular gym routine until symptoms cease.
Specifically designed coccyx cushions
Occupations that require you to sit for prolonged periods of time may exacerbate coccyx pain. Specifically designed coccyx cushions can be a fantastic way for you to feel more comfortable while sitting and assist your coccyx to heal faster. Cushions are round in shape with a small hole in the centre to allow for your coccyx to rest without any direct pressure upon it.
Medication
In certain circumstances anti-inflammatory medications may be advised to assist with reducing your coccyx pain. Anti-inflammatory medications do not assist healing but rather block the pain pathways that are sent from your injured area to the brain.
Chiropractor Coccyx Pain Research
- Chiropractic coccygeal manipulation may be effectively delivered via instrumental or manual adjusting for certain cases of coccydynia. Polkinghorn, B. (1999). Chiropractic treatment of coccygodynia via instrumental adjusting procedures using activator methods Chiropractic technique. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, 22(6); 411-416
- Massage and stretching is also a beneficial coccyx pain treatment modality that should be investigated by sufferers. Maigne, Y. (2001). Comparison of three manual coccydynia treatments: a pilot study. Spine, 26(20); E479-E483
- It was evident that Maigne’s technique of coccygeal manipulation is an effective coccyx pain treatment management technique and should therefore be incorporated into coccydynia cases. Maiwada, S. (2016). Manipulation in Coccydynia: A case study. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy, 10(1); 62-65