Coccydynia is a pathological condition that gets worse with sitting or any other activity pressurizing the bottom area of the spine. This condition is more common in women than men as the female pelvis is broader thus leaving the coccyx more exposed.
What do we mean by Coccydynia?
The pain, discomfort and inflammation of tail bone (coccyx or bony area located deep between buttocks above anus) is known as coccydynia. Due to this condition, persistent pain and tenderness can be felt at the tip of tailbone. Intensity of pain varies with varying people and time. The term ‘coccydynia’ itself describes a pattern or set of symptoms with different causes that need different treatments. Long periods of standing or sitting aggravate the condition.
Which are the factors causing this condition?
This condition arises when an injury or stress affects the tail bone and its surrounding muscles and nerves as well. In many cases the exact cause of Coccydynia is not known but the following factors can be regarded as the potential causes of tail bone pain:
- If due to some injury or stress the bones move beyond their normal range of motion
- An injury either to the ligaments or vestigial disc
- At times, some tumor or infection in the coccyx can cause pain
- A direct blow to the tail bone; as in the case of contact sports
- An injury to the tail bone during the child birth
- Repeated stress to the tail bone; as in the case of horseback riding, bicycling, motorcycle riding or rowing
- Fall or trauma
- Dislocation due to injury or obesity
- Brittle bones as in case of osteoporosis, arthritis
- Prolonged sitting on hard surfaces
What are the symptoms associated with Coccydynia?
Following symptoms can be associated with Coccydynia:
- Severe and localized pain in the tail bone area
- Pain worsens with prolonged period of sitting or standing
- Painful bowel movements or straining
- Difficulty in sitting and leaning against the buttocks
- Pain while changing the positions; i.e. from sitting to standing
- Shooting pain down the legs
- Tenderness at the tail bone area
What are the treatment options suggested for treating Coccydynia?
Usually the non-invasive and physical therapy techniques are employed to treat Coccydynia. Physical Therapists generally opt and prescribe the following methods to treat tail bone pain:
- Manipulation and Massage Therapy may be prescribed by the physical therapists to relieve pain
- Gentle Stretching exercises are prescribed to stretch the ligaments attached to the coccyx
- Physical Therapy with Ultrasound may also help to relieve the symptoms
- Leg exercises may be practiced to relieve the stress and pain
- Physical Therapists may also advice to practice weightless squats and swimming to relieve pain
- Strengthening exercises are prescribed to strengthen the structural weakness
- Myofascial release techniques may be used to relieve tight and painful muscular structure
- Use of special pillows to sit on and Sitz baths may be advised
- Heat Therapy may be employed for stimulation
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