Coccyx pain, also called coccygodynia, is pain that happens on the end of the spinejust where the buttocks begin. The intensity varies, although sometimes the discomfort increases when sitting or when adopting certain positions.
The causes are varied, including injuries and bad postures. It could require treatment with painkillers, but other times, it goes away by itself or by applying some home measures.
The prevalence of coccyx pain
The coccyx or coccyx is a bone composed of three or five fused vertebrae. It’s situated at the tip of the spine, at the bottom, and just under the sacrum.
It’s the weight-bearing bone when sitting, together with the lower a part of the pelvis. In adults, it tends to curve somewhat. When this happens in excess, it could cause some problems.
Amongst such problems is coccyx pain, which can also be known by other names resembling sacral bone pain, coccygeal pain, coccydynia, coccygodynia, or cocciaglia. In response to research, it accounts for about 1% of consultations for spinal complaints.
It’s more common in women. It’s thought that this difference could also be because of the placement of the feminine coccyx, which is more posterior or exposed.
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Associated symptoms
The pain within the coccyx often presents as a relentless stabbing sensation within the bone. Other times, it’s felt when the world is touched or felt. It could radiate to the waist.
It’s often worse with prolonged sitting or standingan activity that puts more pressure on the bone, and sudden movement. Occasionally, there could also be pain during defecation or sexual activity. In women, it also causes discomfort during menstruation.
Other symptoms that will accompany it are the next:
- The looks of bruising
- The feeling of pressure or numbness within the buttocks
- Reduced quality of rest
Possible causes of pain within the coccyx
There are several causes that may result in the looks of pain within the sacral or coccygeal area. Amongst them are the next:
1. Injury or repeated trauma
Because of this of falling while sitting or receiving a blow to the waist areawe may suffer an injury or trauma that could cause pain within the coccyx. It must be clarified that fractures of this bone aren’t as frequent, but they still occur.
An extended recovery time could also be required.
2. Repetitive motion
Pain could also be because of performing an motion that generates constant pressure on the bone, resembling riding a horse or bicycle. Even when running or happening and up stairs.
3. Bad movement or overexertion
One other situation related to the looks of coccyx pain is bad movement when bending down or overexertion when lifting something heavy.
4. Bad posture
Maintaining a foul body posture while sitting for a very long time, while working in front of the pc, or while driving, can also be an element related to the occurrence of coccyx pain.
5. Pregnancy and childbirth
Within the last months of pregnancy, the bones of the lumbar area settle in another way. They turn out to be more flexible or mobile. Also, during delivery, the child’s head may injure some structures.
6. Chubby or obesity
Maintaining a weight above that which is acceptable for the scale or a high body mass index (BMI), around 30, also increases the pressure on the coccyx.
7. Herniated disc
In some cases, coccyx pain could be the results of compensationwithin the sense that the person changes the way in which she or he sits or stands to avoid discomfort. This happens, for instance, when there’s a herniated disc within the lumbar region.
8. Degenerative joint processes
Processes resembling degenerative joint disease (DJD) affect the cartilage that lines the joints and bony structures. If this happens within the lumbosacral region, for instance, there could also be pain within the coccyx.
9. Other causes
Less commonly, coccyx pain could also be because of a tumor, a cyst, or pilonidal disease, which is an infection brought on by a buildup of hairs and dead cells under the skin.
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Treatments for coccyx pain
Coccyx pain may subside by itself inside a number of days. Nonetheless, some turn out to be chronic and persist for weeks.
In these cases, the advice is to see a physician.
The health skilled will examine the world for signs of fractures, the presence of lumps, or signs of infection. He/she will even query the patient as as to if he/she has suffered any blows or what his/her habits are.
As a complementary measure, he/she may request diagnostic imaging tests. These may include X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans.
Treatment will vary depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms. Several of the next options could also be combined:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugsresembling ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, reduce pain and inflammation.
- Injections of anesthetics and steroids could also be really useful when the pain could be very powerful.
- Physiotherapy: this includes massages, chiropractic treatment, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, amongst others.
Surgery is usually performed to partially or totally remove the coccyx bone. Nonetheless, that is really useful only when other options haven’t worked. And although that is an operation that could be done easily, recovery can take several months.
Other measures to cut back or prevent coccyx pain
Along with the treatments mentioned above, numerous recommendations could be taken into consideration to attenuate coccyx pain and even prevent it. Nonetheless, home remedies must be applied only when authorized by a physician and once the causes have been determined.
On this regard, the next options can be found:
- Rest: strong physical activities that have an effect on the spine must be suspended.
- Apply local ice to your lower back. Also, alternately, use heat with compresses.
- When sitting, your body must be leaned forward somewhatin order that the burden falls in your legs. For greater comfort, special sitting cushions must be used. When pain is present, one of the best sleeping position is on one side.
- Constipation must be combated by drinking enough fluids and consuming fiber.
- People who find themselves obese should attempt to shed extra pounds.
- There are some appropriate exercises, resembling those done when there’s a herniated disc or low back pain, to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the lower back.
Should a physician be consulted for coccyx pain?
In certain cases, as already mentioned, coccyx pain decreases or disappears after we modify the activity or habits that caused it to seem. Nonetheless, we must always not be overconfident.
On this sense, it’s a great idea to go to the doctor when the discomfort persists or when it’s very intense. Also, it’s best to see a physician if other symptoms are present, resembling inflammation, redness, and the feeling of warmth within the skin of the world.
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