Coccydynia” is the medical term for tailbone pain (“coccyx” = tailbone, “dynia” = pain). Your coccyx (tailbone) is at the very bottom of your spine, and it consists of three to five fused vertebrae (bones).
Located at the base of the spine, the coccyx plays a crucial role in supporting our body when seated and connected to various muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Tailbone pain can have several causes, ranging from injury, and post-surgical to underlying medical conditions.
What Causes Coccydynia?
Trauma or Injury
One of the most common causes of tailbone pain is a direct injury or trauma to the coccyx. This could result from a fall, a sports injury, or even prolonged sitting on a hard surface.
Childbirth
In some women, the act of giving birth can put significant pressure on the coccyx, leading to pain.
Repetitive Strain
Activities that put repeated stress on the tailbone, such as cycling, especially on narrow seats or rowing, can cause coccydynia over time.
Degenerative Conditions
Conditions like arthritis or degenerative disc disease can affect the coccyx and result in pain.
Symptoms of Coccydynia
The symptoms of tailbone pain can vary in intensity and duration. Common signs include:
Pain and Tenderness
Persistent pain at the base of the spine, especially when sitting or with any pressure on the coccyx. Prolonged sitting is very painful and leaning forward while sitting may give some relief.
Discomfort During Movement
Pain while sitting, standing, or moving, making simple tasks like bending or getting up from a chair challenging.
Localized Swelling
In some cases, swelling or inflammation around the tailbone may be present.
Radiating Pain
The pain may radiate to the lower back, buttocks, or even down the legs in severe cases.
How can pain experts help in treating tailbone pain?
Seeking help from a pain management specialist is crucial for the effective treatment of coccydynia. Here’s how they play a pivotal role:
Accurate Diagnosis
The cornerstone is making an accurate diagnosis of Coccydynia by symptoms and clinical examination. Simple imaging like an X-ray helps to evaluate any structural issues related to it like a bent coccyx or a fracture which may be causing pain.
Non Interventional Treatment
Initial treatment begins with taking simple painkillers, doing a Sitz bath to reduce inflammation and using Coccydynia Pillow to ease pressure on the coccyx.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
In severe cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief, pain experts may suggest minimally invasive procedures like Ganglion Impar block or a Pudendal Nerve Block to manage pain symptoms. These can later be supplemented with Radio-Frequency ablation procedures for long-term pain relief.
Educating and Supporting Patients
Pain experts educate patients on managing their condition, including home exercises and posture improvements. These patients need to be counselled about the possibility of recurrence and the need for multiple procedures. Often giving a few sittings for such procedures may lead to relief lasting many years.
