Is Your Tailbone Pain Actually Coccydynia? Signs to Watch For

Coccyx Pain Coccygodynia, or coccydynia, or coccalgia, or coccygeal neuralgia, or tailbone pain, or whatever you call it. All of these terms refer to the pain that occurs in the region of the coccyx. 

This condition is quite common these days, which is usually triggered in a sitting position. We know many of you must have experienced it; however, some have a negative impact on their quality of life. 


This guide is dedicated to spilling the truth about Coccyx pain, signs to watch for, and potential treatment for it. 


Clinically Relevant Anatomy of Coccydynia


In appearance, the coccyx is a triangular bone, and this is responsible for forming the most distal segment of the spine. Coccydynia is typically composed of 3 to 5 coccygeal segments that are fused together to form a single bone. 


Moreover, it acts as an attachment site for a lot of muscles and ligaments while providing weight-bearing support to people in a seated position.

 

Signs to Watch For Coccyx Pain


If you're not sure about if you're going through general lower back pain or true coccydynia, here are some red flags to look out for:


➔ Sharp and achy pain in the tailbone.


➔ Pain while sitting or rising from a seated position.


➔ Touching the coccyx region makes it hurt.


➔ Pain during bowel movements.


➔ Discomfort during sexual discomfort.


➔ Other symptoms include anxiety, aching buttocks, sleep problems, and backache.


Keep Note 📝: These symptoms might mimic other conditions, so it's ideal to get a proper diagnosis, especially if the pain persists longer.


What Causes Tailbone Pain?


There are many causes behind coccydynia or tail bone pain, and some of them are as follows:


➔ Falling: Imagine: You fall from a ladder and fall on your buttocks. This is the most common cause of coccydynia. Falling directly onto the buttocks can cause fractures, breaks, and displacement, resulting in pain in the location.


➔ Anatomy: Some individuals have a coccyx that is overly long, angled, or mobile. This makes them prone to irritation or injury during regular activities like sitting. 


Dr. Barsoum once said, “Some people's tailbones are more angulated or curved than others, and some people have less fat under the skin to cushion the area than others, both of which can contribute to tailbone pain.”


➔ Pregnancy or Childbirth: During pregnancy, a lot of changes happen in a woman's body. During pregnancy, the ligaments around the coccyx naturally loosen to accommodate childbirth. 


As a result of it, the coccyx moves beyond its limit. Although it is a normal bodily process, it unnecessarily stretches the ligaments and muscles around it.  


➔ Trauma: Doesn’t matter if you have fallen on the ground or not; repetitive microtrauma can also cause coccyx pain. For instance, sitting on hard or uncomfortable surfaces can increase inflammation and pressure on the coccyx.


➔ Obesity: Are you obese? If so, then let us tell you that extra weight puts pressure on the tailbone and may affect the alignment. However, excess weight may aggravate the condition.

Treatment For Tailbone Pain

If not severe, tailbone pain can go away on its own. But in most cases, it won’t, and the good news is that Coccydynia is often manageable without. The common treatments include lifestyle modifications, consumption of stool softeners, avoiding sitting too much, home exercises, and seeking medical help from a physiotherapist or an acupuncturist in East Delhi. 

Final Words

Coccydynia or tailbone pain is undoubtedly a kind of pain that can impact your life. Thanks to the medical advancements that have gone too far, it is now treatable. Remember, there is no instant cure for tailbone pain, but patience and the right treatment can slowly cure it.


Overall, better lifestyle modifications and an effective treatment plan are the right way to go. 


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