What Is Coccyx Pain?
A Pain in the Butt! Coccyx Pain or Coccydynia is a not too uncommon condition expereinced as pain in the bottom as to when sitting, or just standing experiencing an ache just between the buttocks which is aggravated by prolonged sitting
Causes of Coccydynia
A few possible causes of coccydynia are listed below.
-Lumbar spinal stenosis or spondylolysis
this is when there is degenerative changes in the lumbar spine and narrowing and this refers pain down into the buttock
-Early onset arthritis of the spine
This is when degenerative changes in the spine start to affect the local nerves and pain may well be experienced in the tail of the buttocks as well as in the low back area
-Osteoporosis
This is when there is thinning in the vertebrae and lack of bone density, this can easily lead to fractures if you fall down on your bottom and may initiate coccydynial
Trauma
This is by far the most common and is where you land on your bottom from a height, common as you may suspect amongs the parachutists amongst you, but also skiers are vulnerable to this and all those activities which involve landing on your bottom. This traumatises nerves in the local area and you experience pain when you sit. Years ago it was thought that the coccyx actually moved forward and this was the cause, now it is better thought that it is actually due to the small nerves being traumatised and possibly an inflammatory process taking place.
Treatment for Coccyx Pain
To come up with an effective treatment plan, you’ll need to consult an Osteopath or seek professional advice. While there is no cure for coccydynia, the treatments typically recommended consist of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and changing sitting positions regularly.
In the good old days surgery was recommended when the coccyx was actually removed, however this caused other sitting problems and was rarely effective. Obviously the cause needs to be found and that treated. If it came after a fall then the treatment are indirect techniques by pressing around the area to help reduce pressure. An Osteopath may also recommend that you use a pillow designed for sitting on your bottom, usually in the form of a tyre. Although usually you do not have to go to the extent of the man in the picuture.
The most important thing to remember is that coccydynia usually goes away on its own once the cause has been found .
You should avoid sitting for long periods of time. Take frequent breaks every 30 minutes to stretch and give your legs a break. It’s easy to forget that our bodies need rest too!
Conclusion
When it comes to pain, there is no ceiling. Many of us will experience discomfort, pain, or even excruciating pain at one point in our lives, but things get a bit more complicated when we are talking about coccydynia. Coccydynia is a condition that affects one or both of the coccygeal vertebrae, the triangular bones at the base of the spine that support your pelvic girdle. If you have been diagnosed with coccydynia, you may be experiencing some of the symptoms listed above; however, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have not yet been diagnosed with coccydynia, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms for coccydynia so that you can properly diagnose yourself.
