Categories: Condition & Symptoms

Coccydynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Physiotherapy Treatments

Coccydynia

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Overview

Coccydynia, commonly known as tailbone pain, involves discomfort at the base of the spine, specifically in the coccyx region. This condition can result from various factors, including trauma, prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, or repetitive pressure on the tailbone.

Symptoms

  • Localized pain at the tailbone, especially when sitting or transitioning from sitting to standing.
  • Tenderness around coccyx
  • Pain worsening with activities like cycling, prolonged sitting, or bowel movements.
  • Occasional numbness or tingling in the surrounding area (less common).

Causes

  • Trauma: A direct impact on the tailbone, such as falling onto it, or sustained pressure from sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods.
  • Childbirth: The pressure during delivery can sometimes injure or strain the coccyx.
  • Poor Posture: Slouching or improper sitting positions increase pressure on the tailbone.
  • Degenerative Joint Changes: Age related or Arthritis or wear-and-tear changes  in the coccyx region.
  • Infections or Tumors: infections or tumors of  coccyx may cause pain.

Treatments

Physiotherapy is a key treatment option for managing and relieving coccydynia.

1. Assessment and Diagnosis

A physiotherapist will evaluate your posture, movement patterns, and coccyx mobility to identify contributing factors.

2. Pain Management

Techniques like manual therapy, soft tissue massage, and gentle mobilization can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

3. Postural Education

Learning proper sitting posture and ergonomics can significantly reduce pressure on the tailbone. Physiotherapists often recommend using cushions designed to offload the coccyx.

4. Exercise Therapy

Targeted exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improve core stability, and enhance flexibility can promote healing and prevent recurrence.

5. Activity Modification

Guidance on modifying daily activities and avoiding triggers helps in managing pain during the recovery process.

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Coccydynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Physiotherapy Treatments

What is Coccydynia?

C occydynia, commonly known as tailbone pain, involves discomfort at the base of the spine, specifically in the coccyx region. This condition can result from various factors, including trauma, prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, or repetitive pressure on the tailbone.

Causes of Coccydynia

  • Trauma: A direct impact on the tailbone, such as falling onto it, or sustained pressure from sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods.

  • Childbirth: The pressure during delivery can sometimes injure or strain the coccyx.

  • Poor Posture: Slouching or improper sitting positions increase pressure on the tailbone.

  • Degenerative Joint Changes: Age related or Arthritis or wear-and-tear changes in the coccyx region.

  • Infections or Tumors: infections or tumors of coccyx may cause pain.

Symptoms

  • Localized pain at the tailbone, especially when sitting or transitioning from sitting to standing.

  • Tenderness around coccyx

  • Pain worsening with activities like cycling, prolonged sitting, or bowel movements.

  • Occasional numbness or tingling in the surrounding area (less common).

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy is a key treatment option for managing and relieving coccydynia.

1. Assessment and Diagnosis

A physiotherapist will evaluate your posture, movement patterns, and coccyx mobility to identify contributing factors.

2. Pain Management

Techniques like manual therapy, soft tissue massage, and gentle mobilization can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

3. Postural Education

Learning proper sitting posture and ergonomics can significantly reduce pressure on the tailbone. Physiotherapists often recommend using cushions designed to offload the coccyx.

4. Exercise Therapy

Targeted exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improve core stability, and enhance flexibility can promote healing and prevent recurrence.

5. Activity Modification

Guidance on modifying daily activities and avoiding triggers helps in managing pain during the recovery process.

Dr. Ritika Aggarwal

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Published by
Dr. Ritika Aggarwal

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