Coccydynia

Pain in the coccyx or tailbone area

Coccydynia
Stand to Sit Coccyx.jpg
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain in the tailbone area, especially when sitting
Complications	Chronic pain, difficulty sitting
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Weeks to months
Types	N/A
Causes	Trauma, prolonged sitting, childbirth
Risks	Obesity, poor posture
Diagnosis	Physical examination, imaging
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Pain relief, physical therapy, cushions
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Coccydynia, also known as coccygodynia, is a medical condition characterized by pain in the coccyx or tailbone area, typically exacerbated by sitting or any activity that puts pressure on the lower spine. The term is derived from the Greek words "kokkyx" meaning "cuckoo" (due to the shape of the tailbone resembling a cuckoo's beak) and "odynia" meaning "pain".

Causes

Coccydynia can result from various causes, including:

• Trauma: A direct injury to the coccyx, such as a fall or impact, is a common cause.
• Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for extended periods, especially on hard or uncomfortable surfaces, can lead to coccyx pain.
• Childbirth: The pressure exerted on the coccyx during childbirth can cause injury or strain.
• Repetitive Strain: Activities that involve repetitive motion or pressure on the coccyx can contribute to pain.
• Infections or Tumors: Rarely, infections or tumors in the area can cause coccydynia.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of coccydynia is localized pain and tenderness at the tailbone, which may worsen with:

• Sitting, especially on hard surfaces
• Transitioning from sitting to standing
• Prolonged standing
• Activities that put pressure on the coccyx

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of coccydynia typically involves:

• Physical Examination: A doctor will assess the area for tenderness and pain.
• Imaging: X-rays or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions or to identify fractures or dislocations.

Treatment

Treatment options for coccydynia include:

• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain medications such as NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Coccyx Cushions: Specially designed cushions, such as
  
  and
  
  , can alleviate pressure on the coccyx when sitting.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches can help strengthen the muscles around the coccyx and improve posture.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgical removal of the coccyx (coccygectomy) may be considered if other treatments fail.

Prognosis

Most cases of coccydynia improve with conservative treatment, although some individuals may experience chronic pain. Maintaining good posture and using appropriate seating can help prevent recurrence.

Also see

• Tailbone pain
• Orthopedic surgery
• Pain management
• Physical therapy