Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)

Coccydynia is caused by trauma or stress to your tailbone. Sprain or strain injuries are the most likely culprits behind coccydynia, but infections and inflammatory disorders are also possible.

Here are the most common causes of coccydynia

• • Trauma/fall that may damage your tailbone
  • Repetitive strain/sprain injuries can also occur if you are involved in activities that overuse your coccyx often, like cycling.
  • A rare cancer of the tailbone, called a chordoma.
  • Sitting without movement for extended periods may harm your coccyx
  • Being underweight can also result in coccydynia as there is less buttock fat to prevent your tailbone from abrasion
  • Pregnancy and childbirth

Coccydynia has three basic causes, and each one has separate diagnostic tools. The aim here is to determine the type of causative agent behind the pain and then use that information to start the best form of treatment.

1. 1. Testing For Fractures: You can detect Coccydynia by either an x-ray or a CT scan.
   2. Testing For Tumors: Usually, chordomas are present near the coccyx, and they are best diagnosed using a contrast MRI or a CT scan.

Testing For Inflammation/Infection: Abscesses formed by bacteria or fungi are localized using an MRI or CT scan. Further confirmation is made using a biopsy of that lesion.

The symptoms of Coccydynia arise from damage to the tailbone itself or the surrounding structures. The coccygeal area is highly sensitive and vascular, and therefore, bone anomalies or abscesses can cause severe symptoms.

They include:

• • Localized pain in the pelvis
  • Pain radiating to the lower limbs and lower back
  • The pain tends to worsen when sitting
  • Pain from sex and bowel movements
  • Reduced range of motion and loss of proper function of the hip

The pain is usually bilateral concerning the lesion. However, it may be unilateral in some cases.

Usually, non-invasive treatment modalities are preferred for treating coccydynia. The symptoms arise from either nerve compression or vessel occlusion due to compression caused by the inflamed bone or the abscess. 

However, in chronic cases, a partial coccygectomy (removal of some part of the tailbone) or a total coccygectomy (removal of the entire tailbone) may be necessary.

Minimally-invasive treatments are ideal for Coccydynia as their primary objective is to reduce inflammation, improve motility, and enhance blood flow. 

They include:

• • Chiropractic care and physical therapy help manage nerve pain while also rehabilitating the affected area.
  • Taking NSAIDs to reduce swelling and inflammation
  • Avoiding sitting for long periods
  • Acupuncture
  • Using a cold pack to reduce the pain when it becomes unbearable
  • Using stool softeners to prevent physical abrasion