Pain in the coccyx: 10 main causes, methods of treatment and prevention rules

 What to do if it is constantly painful to sit, and sometimes get up and walk. How to get rid of pain in the coccyx and what causes it in general, are there any dangerous reasons.

Coccygodynia (or anacoccygeal pain syndrome) is pain in the coccyx (the lowest part of the spine, considered a remnant of the tails that were lost by humans in the process of evolution ). The coccyx is located at the base of the spine and consists of 3-5 bony vertebrae. It is attached to the sacrum by strong ligaments and muscles. It can be caused by a fall, childbirth, excessive sitting, or, in rare cases, a tumor. Most often it is treated without surgery, but it all depends on the cause. Let us examine in more detail where the severe pain in the coccyx comes from.

Pain in the coccyx: causes

The most important thing to remember is that whatever the cause, if the pain at the bottom of the coccyx does not go away for a long time, consult a doctor. The sooner you find out what is causing the problem, the sooner you can treat it.

1. Injury

Pain in the coccyx can be the result of a bruise, dislocation, or fracture of a bone caused by trauma , such as a violent fall.

It can also be the result of repetitive stress associated with activities such as cycling or rowing. Doing these activities over and over again puts constant strain on the muscles, ligaments, and spine, resulting in pain.

Signs of injury:

• Pain and swelling
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in the legs
• Bowel or bladder problems

With the last two symptoms, it is important to go to the doctor as soon as possible. By the way, it answers the popular question about pain in the coccyx - which doctor to contact. Depending on the reasons, you can go: to a traumatologist-orthopedist, urologist, neurologist, chiropractor, proctologist, osteopath.

How to treat:

First of all, after an injury, you need to give yourself rest. You can take painkillers. To avoid pain in the coccyx when sitting, use a pillow with a hole in the center.

Treatment may also include physical therapy methods.

2. Long sitting on a hard surface

If you sit too long on a hard chair or hard surface, you may feel a nagging pain in your tailbone. It can also happen when you drive a car for a long time or are in an uncomfortable position for a long time.

Even just getting up and walking can help relieve discomfort. You can also try heat (heating pad), massage , over-the-counter painkillers, and sitting on a special cushion.

To prevent pain, watch your posture when you sit down:

• Sit up straight.
• Lean back against a chair.
• Keep your knees in line with your hips.
• Keep your feet on the floor.
• Relax your shoulders.

3. Pain after childbirth

Pain in the coccyx in women may occur after childbirth . The fact is that during them, the ligaments and muscles around the coccyx can stretch. This happens very rarely, but the bones in the coccyx can even break.

Discomfort can remain even several months after childbirth.

The doctor may suggest:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physiotherapy
• U-shaped pillow

4. Hemorrhoids

With hemorrhoids, the tissue that cushions and protects the anus becomes inflamed and the muscles pull on the coccyx.

Other signs of hemorrhoids:

• Bleeding from the anus
• Burning or pain
• rectal prolapse
• Itching
• Swelling

Treatment methods:

• Medications
• High fiber diet
• Drinking plenty of water
• Taking sitz baths with warm water
• If the condition does not improve, the surgeon may remove the hemorrhoid.

5. Too high or too low weight

Too much weight puts extra pressure when you sit down. This can lead to tailbone pain when sitting and standing up.

But being too thin can be dangerous. When you don't have enough fat on your buttocks, your tailbone can rub against nearby tissues and cause pain.

To help relieve discomfort:

• U-shaped seat cushion
• Warm or cold compresses
• Over-the-counter pain relievers

6. Chordoma

It is a rare cancer that develops in the spine, base of the skull, or tailbone.

Chordoma symptoms include:

• Numbness in the groin
• bowel problems
• Bladder problems
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs

How they treat:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy

7. Prostate cancer

Tailbone pain is sometimes associated with prostate cancer, a common cancer in men. As the tumor grows, this can lead to pain.

• Symptoms of prostate cancer include:
• Burning sensation or pain when urinating or ejaculating
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Erectile dysfunction that comes on suddenly
• Blood in urine or semen

With these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment methods:

• Surgery
• Radiation
• Cryotherapy
• hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

8. Spinal tumor

This is a tumor that affects the bones or vertebrae.

Symptoms:

• Back pain, especially at night
• Pain that radiates to other parts of the body (for example, tailbone pain that radiates to the legs)
• Weakness or loss of sensation in the arms or legs
• Problems with walking
• Less sensitivity to cold, heat and pain
• Loss of bladder or bowel function
• Paralysis

9. Colorectal cancer

A tumor in the colon or rectum can also cause discomfort at the base of the spine.

Symptoms:

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Blood in feces
• Cramps or pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

Treatment:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

10. Pilonidal cyst of the coccyx

Most pilonidal cysts, or abnormal collections of hair and tissue debris on the skin, develop near the coccyx. When a cyst becomes infected, it causes swelling and pain.

Signs:

• Tailbone pain when sitting and standing up
• Pus or blood leaking from a skin opening (often in the buttocks)
• Skin redness
• Bad smell from pus

During treatment, the doctor may numb the area and make an incision to drain the cyst. If it comes back, surgery may be needed to remove it.

Recovery and prevention

You can protect the coccyx area by maintaining good posture, avoiding prolonged sitting, and minimizing activities that cause discomfort. A positive attitude and regular activity are important elements of recovery. If you are still limited in some movements, you can replace your usual activity with a more gentle one.

The key to preventing relapse is prevention.

Here are her main rules:

• Good posture when sitting, standing, moving
• Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the spine
• Proper protection for sports
• Using a seat belt while traveling
• Ergonomic work area
• Good nutrition, healthy weight, maintenance of lean body mass
• stress management
• No bad habits