The Coccyx or tailbone is the little triangular bone at the end of the spinal column. This bone is responsible for maintaining the weight in a stable position while sitting and transferring the weight. Coccyx may become bruised or fractured sometimes making life uncomfortable and uneasy. Different remedies can alleviate the pain like medicines, infection or an ice pack.
What is Coccyx (Tailbone) Pain?
Coccyx pain (tailbone pain) refers to pain or abnormality in or around the coccyx bone. Coccydynia is the medical name for tailbone pain. Having attached muscles and bone, any abnormality to these attaching muscles or bones can cause Coccyx pain. Coccyx pain may also result from injury, accidents, infections etc. An individual who experiences Coccyx pain must visit a health provider to identify potential causes. Disregarding Coccyx’s agony makes it more painful and requires longer recovery time. Coccyx pain conditions can be managed with medication, rest or exercise and sometimes require surgery if the condition is severe.
What are the Principal Causes of Coccyx Pain?
Coccyx pain is annoying rendering a person unable to walk and stand. There are different causes for Coccyx pain and they include:
Trauma
An individual experiencing a fall, whiplash or blow injury may lead to pain in the Coccyx. Trauma may have several reasons such as strains, stress and sudden pressure on the person’s tailbone.
Continuous and Repetitive Strain
Sitting on hard surfaces for an extended period of time has the potential to cause the coccyx pain. The other causes may be cycling for extended periods, rowing and any physical activity that repeatedly stresses the tailbone.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Throughout the pregnancy and during the period near childbirth or from the third trimester. The body hormones make the region around and in between the sacrum and tailbone soft. This pulls on the ligaments, muscles and tendons around the tailbone. This will also cause tailbone pain (coccyx pain).
Overweight or Obese condition
An individual who is overweight adds additional pressure on the tailbone. Tailbone pain or coccyx pain results from this added pressure. Additional cautioning and support of the tailbone can aid in minimizing pressure and tailbone pain risk.
Underweight condition
Having underweight means less fat, and that means there is less support/cushioning to the tailbone. Less cushioning naturally allows for a higher chance of getting tailbone pain due to poor cushioning under the tailbone.
Poor Posture
Sitting in a bad posture for a long time and consistently can cause a condition of the tailbone. Maintaining the posture and minimizing sitting can improve the conditions of the tailbone.
Other conditions are:
- Degenerative joint
- Disc disease
- Cancer
- Anatomy of tailbone
- Age
Which Tests Are Used To Detect Coccyx Pain?
A diagnostic imaging procedure, MRI of the coccyx (tailbone) allows us to determine the source of ongoing coccyx pain, especially if other diagnostic tools (like X-ray) have not been effective. MRI can show damage to soft tissue, fractures, tumors, and other lesions not easily seen by other imaging modalities.
Conclusion
Coccyx pain is the pain or abnormality in or about the Coccyx bone. Coccydynia is the term used by doctors to refer to coccyx bone pain. Coccyx pain may result from injuries, accidents, infections, arthritis, sitting position, the body weight of an individual, during pregnancy etc. Numerous treatments are available for Coccyx pain conditions such as medications, rest, ice application, splints etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Coccyx Pain?
Coccyx pain is the pain or abnormality in or around the coccyx of the spinal cord.
Q. What are the different symptoms associated with the Coccyx abnormality?
Different symptoms associated with Coccyx abnormality are pain, swelling, itching, numbness, and not sitting and standing properly.
Q. What are the Causes of Coccyx Pain?
Some of the causes of Coccyx pain are accidents or injuries, the weight of the individual, in pregnancy, osteoarthritis, sprain of ligament etc.
Q. Which tests are employed for Coccyx Pain Diagnosis?
Different tests like CT, MRI, X-rays, and physical examination are employed for diagnosing Coccyx pain.
Q. Where to get the best MRI scan for coccyx or tailbone?
You can book your MRI scan of coccyx or tailbone from carebox platform where you’ll get an MRI at the cheapest cost with transparency and accuracy.
