Coccydynia(Coccyalgia; Coccygeal Pain; Coccygodynia; Pain, Tailbone; Pain, Coccygeal; Tailbone Pain)Pronounced: KOK-sih-DIE-nee-ah
by
Mary Cresse DefinitionCoccydynia is pain in the area of the coccyx (tailbone). It is a small, curved, V-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine.
CausesThe tailbone can be found at the end of the spinal column. It supports the body in a sitting position and helps transfer body weight during changes in sitting positions. It is also an area where muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons from other locations in the body come together. Excess pressure can affect these structures. In most cases, the specific cause of coccydynia is not known. Other times, it may be caused by:
Pain can come from bones, muscles, nerves, or supporting structures. Risk FactorsCoccydynia is more common in females. Other factors that may increase your chance of coccydynia include:
SymptomsPain may occur when:
Coccydynia may cause:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. This will include an evaluation of the tailbone to see if the area is swollen, red, or warm. Imaging tests to look for fractures, dislocation, or other damage in the tailbone may include: TreatmentIn most cases, coccydynia will resolve on its own with conservative treatment. This includes using a special seating cushion to relieve pressure on the tailbone. If the coccyx is misaligned, it may be manually manipulated into place. Other treatments include: MedicationsInflammation and/or pain may be relieved by:
Stool softeners can help reduce strain during bowel movements. Physical TherapyPhysical therapy may include:
Other TreatmentsSome people find relief with:
Your doctor may also refer you to counseling. SurgeryCoccygectomy is the surgical removal of the tailbone. This surgery is not generally recommended and may be considered if all other treatment methods fail. PreventionTo help reduce your chance of coccydynia:
RESOURCES:Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Association of General Surgeons http://www.cags-accg.ca Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org References:Coccydynia (tailbone pain). Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated July 22, 2014. Accessed November 10, 2017. Howard PD, Dolan AN, Falco AN, et al. A comparison of conservative interventions and their effectiveness for coccydynia: a systematic review. J Man Manipulative Ther. 2013;21(4):213-219. Lirette LS, Chaiban G, et al. Coccydynia: An overview of the anatomy, etiology, and treatment of coccyx pain. Oschsner J. 2014;14(1):84-87. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM Last Updated: 12/20/2014 |
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