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How do I Treat Coccyx Pain?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Coccydynia is a medical term given to pain and inflammation involving the coccyx, more popularly referred to as the tailbone. Coccyx pain can be caused by traumatic injury involving the base of the spine, but in most cases, the exact cause is never found. Treatment is aimed at providing pain relief and helping the patient to regain normal mobility as quickly as possible. Some treatment options include rest, lifestyle changes, and medications. Occasionally, surgical intervention may become necessary, especially in the event of a traumatic injury to the area.

The first step in treating coccyx pain is to avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time if possible. Unfortunately, it is usually relatively easy to follow this advice because sitting generally causes the pain to be greatly increased. When sitting becomes necessary, the chair should be well padded to help cushion the tailbone. There are various types of tailbone cushions available, and the patient may have to experiment to see which type works best.

An ice pack, which can help with coccyx pain.
An ice pack, which can help with coccyx pain.

Doctors often differ concerning the advice given regarding the use of heat or ice therapy for the treatment of pain and inflammation. There have been reported successes with each method of treatment, so it is often recommended that the patient use the method that is most comfortable. Whether using heat or ice, it is typically recommended to use this type of therapy for no more than 15 minutes at a time, repeating the application three to four times per day.

A chiropractor may be able to manipulate the coccyx from inside the body, giving relief from pain.
A chiropractor may be able to manipulate the coccyx from inside the body, giving relief from pain.

Non-prescription pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help to relieve the severity of coccyx pain. Many patients prefer ibuprofen due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In some cases, prescription medications may be used to help to combat the pain. Steroid injections are sometimes given in an effort to provide long-term relief from coccyx pain.

Coccyx pain means an injury to your tailbone at the base of the spine, usually caused by trauma.
Coccyx pain means an injury to your tailbone at the base of the spine, usually caused by trauma.

A massage therapist or chiropractor may be able to help provide some relief for coccyx pain. The massage therapist can massage the muscles surrounding the tailbone, often resulting in some relief. A chiropractor, on the other hand, may help by performing internal manipulation. This is done by placing a gloved finger into the anus and manipulating the tailbone from the inside of the body. If there has been significant damage to the coccyx, especially as a result of a traumatic injury, surgery may be necessary in order to repair the damage to bones, muscles, or nerves in the tailbone region.

Discussion Comments

anon359976

I did some amazing skating, then fell hard on my bum. I hopped up again, but having been in a lot of pain since. I bathed in warm water for an hour last night. Getting in and out of the car, sitting, even putting logs on the fire -- aghhhhh. Pain. I'm cranky too. Does this heal itself or do I go for an X-ray? I'm sure similar thing happened me when I was a child and I was fine after a week or two.

discographer

Internal manipulation is a great treatment for coccyx pain. It can be done gently at home with the help of your partner. Oh and it does not require putting a finger in the anus. The coccyx sits slightly above it.

serenesurface

@literally45-- I've been through this before. What I suggest is purchasing one of those medical pillows. It's the round ones that look like a bagel, with an opening in the center. When you sit down, your tailbone remains in the opening and there won't be any pressure put on it. You should use this pillow until the pain goes away.

The other thing is that you really do need to get up and move around every half an hour. Look for an excuse to get out of your chair. Go get some water or coffee. Go to the bathroom, go to the fax machine. You need to let the coccyx rest which unfortunately doesn't happen when you're always sitting on it.

In some rare cases, due to immense pressure, the coccyx can bend inward. This is common with truck drivers because they sit all the time. If the pain doesn't go away despite using a bagel pillow and taking breaks and walking, you need to see a doctor.

I was able to treat my coccyx pain with the pillow and by avoiding sitting for long periods of time.

literally45

I've been experiencing severe tailbone pain for the last week. It just hurts constantly.

I can't help but sit down eight hours a day because I have a desk job. I brought a small pillow for my desk chair from home a few days ago, but it hasn't really helped. My tailbone is still aching. What's worse is that I think it's causing lower back pain now too.

What can I do about this?

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    • An ice pack, which can help with coccyx pain.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      An ice pack, which can help with coccyx pain.
    • A chiropractor may be able to manipulate the coccyx from inside the body, giving relief from pain.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      A chiropractor may be able to manipulate the coccyx from inside the body, giving relief from pain.
    • Coccyx pain means an injury to your tailbone at the base of the spine, usually caused by trauma.
      By: James Steidl
      Coccyx pain means an injury to your tailbone at the base of the spine, usually caused by trauma.
    • Ibuprofen may help relieve coccyx pain.
      By: Geo Martinez
      Ibuprofen may help relieve coccyx pain.
    • Surgical intervention may be used as a last resort to cure coccyx pain.
      By: Remains
      Surgical intervention may be used as a last resort to cure coccyx pain.