Tailbone pain — pain that occurs in or around the bony structure at the bottom of the spine ( coccyx ) — can be caused by trauma to the coccyx during a fall, prolonged sitting on a hard or narrow surface, degenerative joint changes, or vaginal childbirth.
Causes of Coccydynia Coccydynia is often caused by an injury, but may occur seemingly spontaneously. There are many causes of tailbone pain which can mimic coccydynia, including sciatica, infection, pilonidal cysts, and fractured bone.
The symptoms of a broken tailbone include: an almost constant dull pain in the very low back, just above the buttocks. pain that worsens when sitting and when standing up from a sitting position. swelling around the tailbone. pain that intensifies during a bowel movement. pain that intensifies during sexual intercourse.
What are the symptoms of tailbone pain (coccydynia)? The symptoms of coccydynia include: Achy or piercing pain in the tailbone. More severe pain when changing from sitting to standing up. More severe pain when sitting for long periods of time. Pain during bowel movements. Pain during sex.
You should call your doctor immediately if you have pain in the tailbone and any of the following other symptoms: A sudden increase in swelling or pain. Constipation that lasts a long time. Sudden numbness, weakness, or tingling in either or both legs.
Gently increasing the stretch over time will allow the range of movement to expand. Lie down on the back and extend the feet straight out. Bend one knee toward the chest. Hold onto the bent knee and pull it gently down into the chest. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
See your doctor if the pain is severe or lasts more than a few days. Most of the time, tailbone pain isn’t serious. It can sometimes be a sign of an injury. In very rare cases, tailbone pain can be a sign of cancer.
Tailbone pain can be difficult to treat and often becomes chronic. Therefore, tailbone may be accompanied by depression, isolation, and anxiety.
Less common causes can include a bony growth on the coccyx, the coccyx being too flexible or too rigid, and arthritis. Rare but serious causes include infection and cancer. In many cases, no obvious cause can be found.
Our Chiropractor will conduct a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation to determine the cause of your Tailbone pain. Treatment may include; Spinal Adjustment – If the tailbone moves out of alignment, irritating the nerves and tissues around it, then having a chiropractor correct the misalignment may help to bring relief.
Chiropractic Treatment for an Injured Tailbone When out of alignment or damaged, it will cause irritation to the nerves and tissue that surround it, as well as tighten the muscles that are supporting it. A chiropractor can correct the misalignment of the coccyx to provide relief.
Sleeping with a broken tailbone To lessen the pain of a broken or bruised tailbone, consider sleeping: on a firm mattress. on your side with a pillow between your knees. on your back with a pillow under your knees.
Pain is generally confined to the tailbone, and does not radiate through the pelvis or to the lower extremities. Pain is usually described as an aching soreness and can range from mild to severe. Tightness or general discomfort around the tailbone may be constant, or pain may come and go with movement or pressure.
When Should I See a Doctor for Tailbone Pain? If your tailbone pain doesn’t subside, you should consult with a hip surgeon. Your orthopedist may do an exam to rule out other conditions, including checking for a fracture, degenerative conditions, or even a tumor in the tailbone area.