A Useful Guide to Getting Rid of Coccyx Pain

Are you struggling with coccyx pain? If so, you’re not alone. Coccyx pain is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, chronic pain, and it’s important to take steps to get rid of it as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce or even eliminate your coccyx pain, and how to manage your coccyx pain effectively so that you can get back to enjoying life without the hassle of constant discomfort. So read on to explore the causes of coccyx pain and some of the best tips on how to properly diagnose and treat it, so you can live an active lifestyle free from any unnecessary suffering. 

What Causes Coccyx Pain?

Coccyx pain can be caused by several different factors. In some cases, it may be the result of an injury or trauma to the area, such as a fall or car accident. It can also be caused by long periods of sitting or standing in one position, repetitive activities that involve bending or lifting, arthritis, and pregnancy. Your pelvic floor might also be weak or tight, which can lead to coccyx pain. However, it’s important to note that the exact cause of this type of discomfort isn’t always known. Another common cause of coccyx pain is referred pain from other areas of the body, such as the lower back or hips.

How to Diagnose Coccyx Pain

If you’re experiencing coccyx pain, it’s important to first visit a doctor or healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. This can help determine if your discomfort is due to an underlying health condition, such as arthritis, a strained muscle, or something else entirely. Your doctor may also recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to get a better understanding of where your pain is coming from and how severe it might be. An MRI might show signs of inflammation or swelling in the area, which can lead to a more specific diagnosis.

How to Treat Coccyx Pain

Once you know the cause of your coccyx pain, you can work with your doctor to develop an effective treatment plan that’s right for you. Depending on the severity and cause of your discomfort, this might involve physical therapy, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants, steroid injections, and even surgery in some cases. Other treatments may include lifestyle changes such as using a cushion when sitting for long periods, avoiding repetitive activities that could aggravate the area further, and taking breaks throughout the day to stretch out your lower back muscles. Additionally, it’s important to practice good posture and core strength exercises to help relieve your pain.

• Physical Therapy: This treatment option may involve both active and passive techniques, such as exercises to strengthen the lower back muscles that support the tailbone. Your physical therapist may also demonstrate how to modify activities like sitting or climbing stairs to reduce pressure on your coccyx.
• Medications: Depending on the cause of your pain, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Opioid analgesics may be prescribed for more severe cases of coccyx pain that aren’t responding to other treatments. However, these drugs come with a risk of addiction and should only be used under close medical supervision.
• Steroid Injections: If medications and other treatments don’t help manage your pain, your doctor may recommend steroid injections. These shots work by reducing inflammation and providing temporary relief from pain in the coccyx area.
• Surgery: Surgery is typically only recommended as a last resort if other treatments don’t provide adequate relief from coccyx pain. The type of surgery will depend on the underlying cause of your discomfort – it may involve removing part or all of the tailbone to reduce pressure and alleviate symptoms. 

Long-Term Lifestyle Changes

To prevent future coccyx pain, it’s important to make lifestyle changes that can help lessen your risk of experiencing discomfort. This might include:

• Maintaining a good posture while sitting and standing 
• Taking regular breaks throughout the day to stretch out and move your lower back muscles 
• Using a cushion when sitting for long periods 
• Practicing core strength exercises to keep your lower back strong and flexible 
• Avoiding repetitive activities or contact sports that could cause further injury or irritation in the tailbone area 
• Wearing supportive shoes with good arch support 
• Losing weight if necessary, as being overweight can put additional strain on the lower back muscles. 

Exercises For Coccyx Pain

When you’re suffering from coccyx pain, even simple activities can become painful and difficult. Fortunately, there are a few exercises that can help to ease the discomfort. These include: 

• Pelvic Tilts: Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles as you tuck in your buttocks to tilt the pelvis upward. Hold this position for 10 seconds before releasing and repeating 3-5 times. 
• Knee Rolls: Lie on your back again but put your arms out straight at shoulder level. Bend one knee so it rests across the other leg while keeping both hips flat against the floor – this is called “reclining crossover.” Hold for 10 seconds before repeating on the other side. 
• Back Extensions: Position yourself on your hands and knees. Keep your head in line with your back as you slowly arch your spine upwards, lifting the chest towards the ceiling. Return to the starting position and repeat 3-5 times, taking care to maintain a neutral neck and shoulder position throughout. 
• Bridge Exercise: Lie down on your back with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Move both feet away from each other as if you were going to do a sit-up – this is known as an “open bridge” position. Push through your heels and lift the hips off the ground until they form a straight line with the shoulders, keeping arms relaxed at the sides.

It’s important to be aware of the various treatments available for coccyx pain to find one that best fits your needs. Consulting with a medical professional will help you create an appropriate plan for managing your symptoms and preventing future discomfort. With lifestyle changes, physical therapy, surgery, or any combination of these treatments, it’s possible to reduce your coccyx pain and get back to living a normal life.