Tailbone pain is located at the very bottom of the spine, right above the buttocks, and may have started after sitting on a hard bench or after a fall. Coccydynia, or tailbone pain, is not seen in many patients but can be a troublesome condition. OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine® offers patients in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas area various treatment options for common tailbone pain causes.
What is Coccydynia?
Commonly referred to as tailbone pain, coccydynia is localized pain felt at the bottom of the tailbone that is typically worsened when sitting or with activity that places pressure on the bottom of the spine.
What are Common Tailbone Pain Causes?
In many cases, the cause of tailbone pain is idiopathic, or unknown. Injury to the tailbone from a fall or other trauma is linked to a high number of coccydynia cases. Other tailbone pain causes include:
- Repetitive motions or general wear and tear to the tailbone
- Pregnancy and/or childbirth
- Infection, tumor or fracture
What are Coccydynia Symptoms?
Coccydynia is marked by pain when pressure is applied to the tailbone. Many patients feel tailbone pain when sitting on a hard surface, and the pain is alleviated when walking or standing. Other symptoms include:
- Deep aching pain in the tailbone region
- Pain during bowel movements
- Pain during menstrual cycles
- Pain during sexual intercourse
How is Tailbone Pain Treated?
In order to be diagnosed with the condition coccydynia, a thorough medical review and physical examination must be performed by a physician. Any injuries to the tailbone area must be reported during the consultation. The physical examination will include a thorough inspection to detect any abnormal masses. An X-ray or MRI scan may also be performed to detect any fractures or ligament and muscle damage.
Patients who suffer from tailbone pain are typically advised to use a well-padded seat when sitting for an extended period of time. A pain physician may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, nerve blocks or a combination to help alleviate the pain.
In the majority of cases, patients will notice a lower level of tailbone pain with these simple treatments. If the pain is not alleviated, a physician may recommend surgery or another more aggressive approach.
For more resources on coccydynia, or tailbone pain, and tailbone pain causes, contact the pain physicians at OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine®, proudly serving the greater Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, Texas area.