Pain in the coccyx
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The coccyx is a triangular bone structure that is located at the bottom of the spinal column. It consists of three to five bone segments that hold joints and ligaments in place. Pain in the coccyx may indicate trauma or bone disease, so you need to be very careful if these pains occur, and consult a doctor if the pain does not go away for a long time.
Causes
A condition that leads to discomfort or pain in the coccyx is called cocciogeny. Because of injuries on the body, a bruise can develop, as well as dislocation or rupture (destruction) of the coccyx. Although they heal quite slowly, most of the tailbone injuries can be controlled with conservative treatment.
Most of the injuries are due to women, because the female pelvis is wider, and the coccyx is more prone to bumps. There is also pain in the coccyx during pregnancy.
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Causes of injuries
Most injuries are caused by direct injuries of the coccyx region.
- The impact in sitting position on a hard surface is the most common cause of injury.
- A direct blow to the coccyx, such as those that occur during contact sports, can damage the coccyx.
- The coccyx can be damaged or broken during delivery.
- Repeated stress or friction on the tailbone (as happens when riding a bicycle or rowing) can damage the coccyx.
- Sometimes the causes of the injury are unknown.
Less common causes of coccyx discomfort are bone spurs, compression of nerve roots or damage to other parts of the spine, local infections and tumors.
Symptoms of trauma of the coccyx
- Severe localized pain in the coccyx
- If the injury is too traumatic, bruises can be seen in this area.
- Pain, as a rule, becomes stronger when a person sits for long periods of time, or experiences direct pressure on the area of the coccyx.
- Intestinal tension, as well as constipation, is often painful.
- Some women may experience pain during intercourse.
When to seek medical help?
If the patient has signs of trauma or an inexplicable feeling of discomfort in the area of the coccyx, consult a doctor. Then the doctor will be able to decide whether the injury is traumatic or the pain is caused by other, more serious problems.
Trauma to the tailbone area rarely requires a visit to the emergency room. However, if the patient is not able to move, lie or sit, it makes sense to visit the emergency department of the nearest hospital.
Diagnostics
The causes of trauma are largely determined based on medical history and physical examination. Sometimes can be done:
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X-rays or other studies
X-rays can be used to determine if there is a fracture or dislocation in the coccyx. However, X-rays sometimes can not detect these lesions. Some doctors recommend X-rays in a standing or lying position to better determine the presence of a fracture or dislocation.
It can also be an examination of the entire vertebral column (spine), neurologic examination, rectal examination. To perform rectal examination, the doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to feel the area of the coccyx and determines if there is a dislocation or fracture that can be felt by the method of palpation and in the event that direct pressure on the coccyx causes you pain.
Rarely, at the doctor's discretion, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is recommended - it is performed at a later stage if the X-rays do not disclose the cause of the coccyx's continuing discomfort.
Treatment
Home care
Injuries are often extremely painful, so home care is aimed at fighting pain.
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time. When you sit on hard surfaces, try to change that buttock on which you lean. In addition, lean forward and direct your weight from the coccyx.
- After traumatic injuries, apply ice to the coccyx region for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for the first few days after the injury.
- Use ibuprofen or similar medications for pain, to control it.
- You can buy a special soft pillow "donut" or a pillow for sitting. This pillow has a hole in the middle to protect the coccyx from contact with a flat surface.
- Eat foods high in fiber to soften the stool and avoid constipation.
Treatment of pain in the coccyx of a doctor
In addition to home care, the doctor may be able to provide further relief of pain through medications and, more rarely, surgical interventions.
- Strong painkillers can be prescribed at the doctor's discretion.
- Plasticizers (softeners) of the stool can be prescribed to prevent constipation.
- Injections of local anesthetics and corticosteroids in the tailbone are sometimes required to treat prolonged pain.
- Rarely can the coccyx be surgically removed.
What other steps can be taken to treat the coccyx?
- Most people do not require follow-up treatment if the condition of their coccyx improves after treatment.
People with chronic pain who do not benefit from medical therapy should contact other surgeons.
Preventing injuries
Most injuries are accidental (for example, due to slipping on ice) and, therefore, they can not be completely avoided.
Wear suitable protective clothing if you are engaged in traumatic sports.
In most cases, pain in the coccyx takes place within a few weeks after the injury, if the patient on time turned for medical help.