Have you ever experienced a sharp pain at the bottom of your spine, making it difficult to sit or stand comfortably? If so, you might be dealing with coccydynia – commonly known as tailbone pain. But what are the causes, symptoms and treatment options?
Coccydynia is a medical term for pain in the coccyx, or tailbone, which is the small, triangular bone at the bottom of your spinal column. This discomfort can range from a dull ache or tenderness to a sharp, stabbing pain and can significantly impact your daily activities.
Causes
There are several reasons why you might develop coccydynia, including:
- Trauma or Injury: A fall or direct blow to the tailbone can cause inflammation and pain
- Repetitive Strain: Activities that put constant pressure on the coccyx, such as cycling or sitting for long periods, can lead to pain
- Childbirth: The pressure during delivery can sometimes injure the coccyx
- Poor Posture: Sitting in an awkward position for extended periods can strain the coccyx
- Underlying Conditions: Arthritis or an infection can also be culprits
Symptoms
Coccydynia symptoms can vary but often include:
- Pain and tenderness at the base of the spine
- Increased pain when bending, sitting or standing up from a seated position
- Discomfort during bowel movements
- Pain during sexual intercourse or during your period
Treatment
In the first instances of tailbone pain, you can help alleviate the discomfort by maintaining good posture, lying on your side, and using a cushion (doughnut or wedge shaped) to reduce pressure when sitting. Applying a heating pad, or an ice pack on the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation, as can taking over-the-counter pain relievers (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the lower back and pelvic area can improve mobility and reduce pain, however if the pain persists treatment options may include physical therapy (the muscles around the coccyx can be manipulated to help ease the pain and improve mobility), chiropractic care (adjustments) or injections.
Injection treatments includes corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injected directly into the joint that attaches the coccyx to the bottom of your spine, temporarily numbing the pain and reducing inflammation and swelling.
Another ground-breaking, and in some cases more long-lasting, injection treatment option for coccydynia is Prolozone therapy. Many of the structures in and around the coccyx have a poor blood supply, which is why they can struggle to heal on their own, and it is the oxygen and nutrients in our blood supply that help to heal these structures.
Prolozone therapy, an ozone-oxygen injection treatment, involves injecting a mixture of ozone and oxygen into the affected area to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. This therapy aims to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote tissue repair.
Prolozone is considered a minimally invasive option, often used when conventional treatments fail to provide relief. Patients typically experience reduced pain and improved function over a series of sessions. They combine the principles of prolotherapy and ozone therapy to deliver a powerful punch against pain and inflammation.
Conclusion
By understanding coccydynia and taking proactive steps to manage it, you can reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life. While coccydynia often improves with self-care, persistent or severe pain that lasts more than a few weeks, or if you experience unexplained weight loss, fever, or pain radiating down your legs, you should seek medical attention.
The Leigh Injection Clinic based on the coast in Leigh on Sea, Essex – perfect for patients in Essex, Kent, London, and surrounding areas – offer prolozone injections to treat many different MSK related issues – including Coccydynia.