Overview
Coccydynia is the painful inflammation of the coccyx (tip of the tailbone between the buttocks) area, often resulting from sitting, bicycling, uncomfortable seating or falling. The coccyx is the last bone at the base of the spine, also known as the tailbone. Coccydynia is the result of injury or strain to the coccyx or surrounding muscles and ligaments.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment options may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications or injections
- Avoiding reinjury
- Buttock support
- Cortisone injections
- Hot or cold packs to your lower back
- Painkillers
- Physical therapy
- Rest
- Seating with added padding (pillow)
- Sitting for shorter periods of time
- Surgery
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms include:
- Dull and achy pain of coccyx
- Focal pain of coccyx
- Tenderness of coccyx
DIAGNOSIS / TESTS
Diagnostic tests include:
- Physical examination
- Medical history
- Imaging to rule out other issues (CAT scan or MRI scan)
TYPES
Common forms include:
- Anterior Angulation
- Anterior Dislocation
- Hooked Coccyx
- Posterior Dislocation
CAUSES
Causes & contributing factors may include:
- Ageing
- Being overweight or underweight
- Cancer
- Childbirth
- Infection
- Injury to coccyx
- Poor posture
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
FACTS
- Coccydynia is usually treatable.
- On average, Americans sit for 10 hours each day.
- Excessive movement of the coccyx is considered abnormal.
- There are several causes of tailbone pain that mimic Coccydynia:
- bone fracture
- infection
- pilonidal cysts
- sciatica
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!
Contact our office to schedule an appointment.
OUR OFFICE:
The Pain Experts of Arizona
3370 South Mercy Road
Suite 321
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Phone: 480-550-9393
Fax: 480-999-3375