How to treat tailbone pain?
Can tailbone pain be treated?
Yes, fortunately! There are many treatment options available for tailbone pain that is also known as coccydynia. Coccydynia is a condition that can seriously affect a person's quality of life. Many people suffer for months or years before anyone figures out the source of tailbone pain.
What is coccydynia?
Coccydynia is a pain in the region of the coccyx (tailbone). The coccyx attaches to the lowest sacral segment and is a common site for the attachment of many structures- ligaments, muscles, tendons, and fascia around the pelvis. The Source of pain can be the coccyx itself or any of the structures attached to the coccyx.
Functions of the coccyx (tailbone)
Positional support for perineal structures
Insertional site for various muscles, ligaments, and tendons
Provides weight-bearing support in a sitting position
The tailbone is dynamic and it should be able to flex and extend for normal functions. When we sit (especially in a slouched position), body weight comes on the tailbone area instead of sit bones and that pressure can flex the tailbone. The tailbone has to go through an extension during childbirth.
Tailbone pain can lead to a protective increase in the muscle tension around the area (gluteal and pelvic floor muscles). It can lead to a vicious cycle of pain, increased muscle tension, and, limited movement. Symptoms of discomfort or pain usually increase with sitting, standing, lying on the, back, and transitional movements such as sitting to standing.
Causes of tailbone pain
It is important to know what is the cause of the pain to tailor the treatment accordingly.
External trauma such as a fall on the tailbone
Repetitive or prolonged stress on the tailbone that is slouched sitting and cycling.
Unknown cause- Idiopathic coccydynia
Internal trauma i.e. childbirth
Chronic constipation
Medical causes that can cause constant and nagging tailbone pain that can wake someone up from sleep without any provoking factor. These can be ruled out by a medical doctor.
Treatment for tailbone pain
Conservative treatment is successful and resolves pain in almost 90% of cases usually.
Tips to relieve tailbone pain
Use a donut cushion, pillow, or wedge to offload the tailbone area to manage pain.
Avoid slouched position to avoid increased pressure on the tailbone.
Add adequate fiber and water intake to your diet to soften the stools and prevent constipation
Heat and cold application can help to relieve pain.
Avoid activities that increase tailbone pain, for the short term.
Avoid sitting or standing for long periods by taking breaks every 20-30 minutes
Role of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be very beneficial by using specific manual techniques (external or internal), specific exercises, acupuncture, dry needling, ultrasound, and pain relieving modalities.
If you are experiencing tailbone pain, you can schedule an appointment with a physiotherapist. Evaluation can help to determine the best treatment option for you to relieve pain and improve your quality of life.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Roopdeep Kaur,PT, FRCms, MSc. PT, BPT
Registered Physiotherapist
Ortho & Pelvic Physiotherapist
References:
Lirette, L. S., Chaiban, G., Tolba, R., & Eissa, H. (2014). Coccydynia: an overview of the anatomy, etiology, and treatment of coccyx pain. The Ochsner journal, 14(1), 84–87.
