Coccyx Pain and Treatment

We don't really think much about our coccyx or tailbone, do we? At least not until we feel that pain creeping in.

But what exactly is a coccyx? It is the small, triangular bone at the very bottom of your spine, just above your buttocks. It helps with sitting and balance and connects to muscles and ligaments.

Coccyx pain can range from mild to chronic. But no matter the severity, it is imperative to get the necessary treatment or try self-care measures. We tell you all about them and more ahead. Keep reading!

What is Coccyx Pain?

Also known as coccydynia, coccyx pain is the discomfort in the tailbone. It can range from mild to severe, and the main reason why it occurs is due to prolonged sitting. However, some of the other causes include injury, poor posture, childbirth, or any underlying medical condition. But you don't have to worry. With the right remedies, you can get rid of them easily.

Is It A Common Condition?

Coccyx pain or coccydynia is quite common and affects up to 20% of people at some point in their lives. It is more prevalent in women and can occur five times more frequently than in men.

A study conducted also says that the average age of patients suffering from chronic coccydynia was 42.9 years.

While coccydynia is not widespread, it does affect a subset of the population.

Symptoms Of Coccyx Pain

Some of the main symptoms of coccyx pain include;

• Aching or sharp pain in the tailbone.
• Pain that worsens when sitting for long periods.
• Pain when standing up from sitting.
• Tenderness in the lower back area.
• Discomfort during bowel movements

What Causes Coccyx Pain?

Lets understand more about the common causes of tailbone pain.

Prolonged Sitting

When you regularly sit for long periods of time, especially on uncomfortable surfaces, the coccyx experiences excess pressure. Add poor posture and slouching to this and it aggravates the condition further. If not tackled in time, it can lead to inflammation and even persistent tailbone pain.

Weight

Being overweight or underweight can cause tailbone pain. With excess weight, there's an increase in pressure on the coccyx, and being underweight may lead to less cushioning around the area. So, you become more prone to discomfort.

Pregnancy or Childbirth

During pregnancy, women go through hormonal changes. They loosen the ligaments around the coccyx and make it more flexible. Childbirth can also put significant strain on the coccyx. It can even lead to bruising, dislocation, or fractures.

Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive motion, such as cycling or rowing, can strain the muscles and ligaments around the coccyx. Over time, this stress leads to inflammation and pain.

Falls

A direct fall on the tailbone can bruise, dislocate, or fracture the coccyx. For instance, slipping on a hard surface can cause such an injury. Even minor falls can cause lingering pain.

Other Reasons

Certain medical conditions like infections, tumors, arthritis, or nerve damage can also cause coccyx pain. Also, bone spurs or previous surgeries in the lower spine may lead to discomfort in the tailbone area.

Diagnosis

When pain exceeds, visiting your doctor is the next step. Here, your doctor may ask you about symptoms, pain duration, and any injuries.

Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be conducted to help identify fractures, dislocations, or underlying conditions. In some cases, a doctor may assess coccyx mobility through an internal exam.

Coccyx Pain Management Techniques

Here are a few pain management techniques that can help you overcome the discomfort.

Use a Coccyx Cushion

The very first thing you can do is use a coccyx pillow. This is especially important if you are someone who works for long hours. Using this pillow helps distribute your weight evenly and prevents direct strain on your tailbone.

They are incredible for office workers, drivers, and individuals recovering from coccyx injuries as they can offer comfort and pain relief.

Maintain Good Posture While Sitting

If you are someone who has a desk job, slouching must have become a common occurrence.

While it does offer a sense of comfort, it is bad for the posture. It puts strain on your tailbone and even leads to severe pain if not tackled in time. So, using ergonomic chairs and ensuring your hips and knees are at a 90-degree angle can significantly reduce coccyx discomfort.

Apply Heat Or Ice Therapy

If pain has been bothering you, try hot or cold therapy. You can apply an icepack on your tailbone for 20-30 minutes or use a hot water bag.

The ice pack reduces swelling and numbs pain. Whereas, heat therapy relaxes tense muscles and improves blood flow to the area. You can also alternate between the two for effective relief.

Perform Gentle Stretches And Exercises

Stretching is always good for you. It can relieve tension around the coccyx. It is always best to start with gentle exercises like pelvic tilts, cat-cow stretches, and deep breathing. With regular practice, you can improve flexibility and mobility.

When you perform stretching exercises, it strengthens your muscles, reduces stiffness, and prevents further irritation of the tailbone.

Reduce Pressure On The Tailbone

You must make sure you reduce pressure on your tailbone. Even when you are sitting, you must lean slightly forward while sitting to shift weight away from the tailbone.

Make sure you adjust how you sit. Use extra cushioning to help reduce discomfort and prevent worsening of coccyx pain over time.

Avoid Sitting For Too Long

Even if you have a desk job, you must take regular breaks. You must do it every 30-45 minutes. When you move, it helps relieve pressure on the coccyx and improves circulation.

However, if sitting for long periods is unavoidable, use an ergonomic chair and adjust your posture frequently.

Use A Supportive Chair

To prevent tailbone pain, go for an ergonomic chair that offers proper lumbar support. It is a great option as it reduces strain on the lower back and your tailbone.

Also, always make sure that you adjust the chair height and use extra padding for complete comfort. This can prevent tailbone pain from prolonged sitting.

Strengthen Core And Lower Back Muscles

A strong core and lower back can provide better spinal support and also reduce pressure on the coccyx.

That's why it is crucial to practice exercises like planks, bridges, and leg raises. They help build strength and improve posture.

Preventing Coccyx Pain Can Be Easy!

Remember, there's no instant cure when it comes to tailbone pain. Be patient and try the remedies mentioned earlier.

But the best thing you can do now is to use a coccyx cushion regularly. It offers the support and comfort you need while reducing any pressure on the tailbone.

That's why, at The Sleep Company, we bring you Ortho Pro Max Seat Cushion. It is crafted for tailbone relief and offers comfort wherever you go.

Try the Ortho Pro Max Seat Cushion today to always keep the pain away!