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Coccyx Pain

Coccyx pain can be debilitating, but you don't have to face it alone. At the LBPC, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Reach out to us today for compassionate care and effective treatment options.

What is Coccyx Pain?

Let's start by understanding what the coccyx "KOK-siks" is. The coccyx, commonly known as the tailbone, is a small triangular bone at the bottom of your spine. It consists of three to five fused vertebrae and serves as an attachment point for various muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The coccyx plays a role in supporting your body when you sit and helps stabilise you while you move.

Coccyx pain, also known as coccydynia "kok-sih-DIN-ee-uh", refers to pain in and around the tailbone area. This pain can be quite uncomfortable and can affect your ability to sit, stand, or even lie down comfortably. 

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What causes Coccyx Pain?

Several factors can contribute to coccyx pain, and understanding these can help in managing and preventing it. Here are some common causes we see at the LBPC:

Trauma or Injury: Falls or direct blows to the tailbone can cause bruising, fractures, or dislocations.

Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for extended periods, especially on hard or uncomfortable surfaces, can put pressure on the coccyx and cause pain.

 

Repetitive Strain: Activities that involve repetitive motion or strain on the tailbone, such as cycling or rowing, can lead to pain.

 

Childbirth: During childbirth, the coccyx can be pushed or injured, leading to postpartum coccyx pain.

 

Degenerative Joint Disease: Conditions like arthritis can cause wear and tear on the joints in the coccyx, leading to pain.

 

Poor Posture: Sitting with poor posture can increase pressure on the coccyx and lead to discomfort.

 

Obesity: Excess body weight can put additional pressure on the coccyx, contributing to pain.

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How do you experience Coccyx Pain?

Coccyx pain can present itself in various ways. You might feel a sharp or achy pain directly in your tailbone area, which can worsen when sitting or standing up from a seated position. The pain may also radiate to your lower back, hips, or thighs. Activities such as leaning back while sitting, cycling, or prolonged sitting on hard surfaces can exacerbate the pain. Additionally, you might notice tenderness and discomfort when touching or pressing on the coccyx area.

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How can we help?

As physiotherapists, we can help manage and alleviate your coccyx pain through a personalised treatment plan. Here’s how we can work together:

Assessment and Diagnosis: We will conduct a thorough assessment to understand the specific areas of pain and identify any underlying causes.

 

Pain Relief Techniques: Manual therapy, such as gentle mobilisations and soft tissue massage, can help reduce pain and improve mobility in the coccyx area.

 

Exercise Therapy: We can guide you through targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around your pelvis and lower back, improve core stability, and enhance flexibility.

 

Posture and Ergonomics: We can provide tips on maintaining good posture and recommend ergonomic adjustments to reduce pressure on your coccyx while sitting.

 

Supportive Devices: If necessary, we can recommend and fit cushions or supports that relieve pressure on the tailbone while sitting.

 

Activity Modification: Advice on modifying activities to avoid pain, including safe techniques for sitting, standing, and exercising.

 

Education on Pain Management: We can teach you self-management strategies, such as using heat or cold packs, relaxation techniques, and pacing activities to manage pain.

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By working together, we can develop a comprehensive plan to manage your coccyx pain effectively, improve your comfort, and enhance your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance!

Regain your comfort and mobility—book your consultation with our experts today.

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