Coccygodynia
The coccyx is a small bone located at the base of the spine, in the gluteal fold. Coccygodynia manifests as pain felt in the coccyx region. It affects women more often than men and often begins in middle age.
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What is coccygodynia?
The coccyx is a small bone located at the base of the spine, in the gluteal fold. Coccygodynia manifests as pain felt in the coccyx region. It affects women more often than men and often begins in middle age.
What are the causes of coccygodynia?
Traumatic causes:
- A difficult delivery;
- A fall on the buttocks;
- A direct injury to the tailbone (e.g., fracture, dislocation).
Non-traumatic causes:
- Excessive or abnormal tailbone mobility;
- Cancer in the pelvic region (e.g., bladder, rectum, etc.);
- Variations in the shape of the tailbone;
- Significant excess weight;
- An infectious or inflammatory medical condition;
- Pain originating from another part of the body (e.g., lower back).
In one-third of cases, the origin of coccygodynia is unknown.
What are the symptoms of coccygodynia?
- Constant or intermittent pain in the tailbone area;
- Increased pain when sitting or changing positions (e.g., from sitting to standing);
- Pain during sexual intercourse;
- Pain when having a bowel movement.
How is coccygodynia diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through a subjective and physical examination in the clinic. There are also medical tests that can be prescribed by a doctor to determine, among other things, if there is an injury to the tailbone or if an infectious or inflammatory condition is also present.
How can physiotherapy help with coccygodynia?
Your perineal and pelvic rehabilitation physiotherapist will first perform a complete assessment (e.g., lifestyle habits, posture, breathing, contraction/relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, etc.) to determine the cause(s) of the pain.
Based on the assessment results, your physiotherapist will:
- Mobilize the muscles and soft tissues in the abdomen and pelvic floor;
- Provide you with specific exercises to do at home to address the cause of the problem;
- Teach you how to properly manage your daily activities and hobbies to optimize healing;
- Give you advice on your lifestyle habits, postural habits (e.g., seat cushion), and movements;
- Refer you, if necessary, to a doctor or other healthcare professional.
When should you see a physiotherapist for coccygodynia (tailbone pain)?
You should consult a physiotherapist if you have symptoms as described above or if your doctor has already ruled out any other cause that may be responsible for your pain.
You do not need to see a doctor before consulting a physiotherapist. If your condition requires you to see a doctor, your physiotherapist will be able to tell you.
What can you do at home for coccygodynia?
Frequently change your positions (e.g., sitting, standing, walking, etc.);
- Sit on a cushion that allows the tailbone to be free;
- Apply ice or heat as you prefer and can tolerate.
To learn more...
You can listen to the podcast created by one of our physiotherapists, Alexis Gougeon.
Episode #23 discusses perineal and pelvic rehabilitation: .
Find the episode on YouTube :
Click below to listen to episodes on podcast platforms:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4K8MhluZYTYDzmFNn2dDAt?si=a7a8e4a1a64f4cbd
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