Last modified on March 2021
With inputs from Dr.Sabha Faryal, General Physician & Emergency Medicine Specialist
Key Takeaway:
– Coccydynia is commonly known as tailbone pain and is a dull or sharp pain around the coccyx bone which is located in the lower part of the spine, right above the buttocks.
– Pain in the tailbone can be experienced due to an injury, incorrect or prolonged sitting, sitting for long periods on a hard surface, bodyweight issues, haemorrhoids and in very rare cases, cancers and tumours. An orthopedician on MFine will be able to provide you with an accurate explanation for what may be causing the pain.
– Coccydynia is more common in women as they have a broader pelvis region. Tailbone pain during pregnancy especially during the third trimester is also a common occurrence due to the size/weight of the baby.
– A coccydynia diagnosis may involve X-rays and an MRI of the spine to check for signs of injury, dislocation, fracture and even tumours that may be pressing against the coccyx bone.
– Treatments for coccydynia include physiotherapy, medication and coccygectomy in rare cases. Some home remedies that help with managing pain symptoms include sitting on a doughnut-shaped or v-shaped cushion, yoga and stretches, icing the affected area and eating a balanced diet. Orthopedicians on MFine are there to provide you with an appropriate treatment plan according to your diagnosis.
– Coccydynia cannot always be prevented when the cause happens to be an injury due to a traumatic accident/fall. Other causes like incorrect sitting can be rectified by avoiding prolonged sitting, taking frequent breaks to stretch and ensuring a correct sitting posture every time. Full body checks and obesity risk assessments from time to time may help in preventing coccydynia in the long run.