Tailbone Pain: Know Its Causes and Treatment

There are pains we live with and which we normalize, believing them to be something normal due to age, exertion, or a bad movement.

However, there are some chronic ailments that have a reason for being and a treatment to relieve them, as in the case of pain in the tailbone , or more specifically, in the coccyx area.

Also known as the coccyx , or commonly called the tailbone , this bone is the last bone in the back and is connected to the spine by ligaments and joints . It is triangular in shape and measures 3 to 4 centimeters in size.

This discomfort, which is noticeable even when sitting because it worsens with pressure , can often be confused with lower back injuries, but the reality is that only 65% ​​of cases are due to an impact. Below, we'll discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatments for this condition , which may be more common than you think.

Why Does Your Tailbone Hurt? These Are the Causes

Symptoms of Tailbone Pain

In medicine, the pain in the tailbone It is also called coccygodynia either coccydin , and it is a inflammation very painful caused by a distension or tear in the ligaments that join the coccyx with the sacred .

• One of the most common symptoms is that It is unbearably uncomfortable to sit or stand in certain positions . Furthermore, the pain increases if you exercise. pressure about the area. In some cases Patients often use cushions to cushion the contact of the lower part of their back with a hard surface and thus relieve discomfort.

• Most of the time when we have suffered a trauma from falling while sitting down it is possible to perceive that The discomfort is in the lumbar region or the hip, not the tailbone . This is due to the number of nerve endings this small child comes into contact with. bone and that could generate a reflex mechanism.

• Feel pain in the sacrum when sitting If you're a very sedentary person , this is also a very common symptom. Fortunately, this type of pain has a faster and more successful recovery than in cases where the tailbone has suffered a severe blow or strain.

• They may appear strong stitches or pulsations after lying down or standing for a long time.

• It can cause pain when defecating or having sexual relations .

Treatment of Coccyx Pain

After an injury or severe pain in the tailbone , the best initial course of action is to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Among the most common advice given by professionals are:

• Stop physical activities that could further harm our hip area.

• Rest as soon as the first symptoms appear.

• Prevent inflammation and swelling by applying cold or heat to the painful area.

• Pay attention to any lumps or bumps on your tailbone .

• Use a therapeutic cushion to relieve pain and pressure, such as theTherashape Cushion from Theramart, which is ideal for this type of pain due to its ergonomic structure and because it allows you to maintain an ideal posture throughout the day.

• Take over-the-counter painkillers after consulting a professional.

• Avoid constipation by adding fiber to our diet.

If coccygodynia persists for several days and no progress or recovery is noted, there are several therapies that can be performed under medical prescription and supervision.

• Physiotherapy: Through guided relaxation and breathing exercises, it is possible to reduce all symptoms focused on the pelvis.

• Coccyx muscle manipulation: All the muscles attached to the coccyx are massaged to relieve pain. This type of therapy is applied by entering the body through the rectum.
• Use of analgesics and medications : In addition to the application of anesthetic injections, some antidepressant and antiepileptic medications can significantly improve discomfort.

• Surgery: If the injury is very severe and the pain becomes intolerable, a coccygectomy , the surgical removal of the bone, may be performed. This therapy is used when all other treatments have failed.

How long does it last?

Trauma to this area of ​​the body can take a long time to heal. Recovery time will depend on its severity and the rehabilitation treatments provided.

If you have suffered a fracture, the bone may take 8 to 12 weeks to heal. However, if the injury is just a bruise, healing will take approximately 4 weeks. It is important to follow these guidelines so that the entire affected area can be successfully rehabilitated and avoid any lasting effects or relapses.

Taking care of our bodies by maintaining good posture, nutrition, rest, and exercise, as well as recognizing symptoms when we even notice something unusual about our health , can prevent serious ailments and degenerative diseases. Consult a professional if you have any questions.

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