Sore Tailbone
What To Do About A Sore Tailbone
A sore tailbone isn't the most common of afflictions, but can certainly be an uncomfortable one. Usually when we suffer from a sore tailbone it's because we either fall on it, or more likely fall against something, as the tailbone is to some degree in a protected location.
There are other things besides trauma which can cause a sore tailbone and we'll take a look at those as well. The tailbone, the anatomical term being the coccyx, is the lowest segment of the spine and is tucked between the cheeks of the buttocks, giving it a measure of protection. The coccyx is made up of several (3 to 5) fused vertebrae, which are connected to the pelvis. The medical term for a sore tailbone is coccyodynia. Unless caused by trauma, coccyodynia is more often experienced by women, especially those who have had a difficult pregnancy where ligaments in the area may have suffered damage. Some types of repetitive exercise, among them cycling, can cause a sore tailbone, as can faulty posture. In rare instances a malformed coccyx or bone spurs on the tailbone is the source of the pain. Obesity, especially gross obesity, can be another cause.
A sore tailbone tends to be most evident when sitting, or when first getting up from a sitting position. This condition can sometimes lead to lower back pain, as a sore tailbone sufferer may try to sit in awkward positions to relieve the soreness. Resulting back pain is only likely when a sore tailbone condition has been present over a lengthy period of time.
Treatment - Treatment of a sore tailbone usually consists of taking steps to minimize or relieve the pain until the condition corrects itself. This may involve sitting on padded cushions rather than a hard surface, sitting as little as possible, or at least not for long periods at a time, and general rest. Anti inflammatory medications and pain relievers are sufficient in many cases, and cortisone shots are usually quite effective in dealing with more extreme situations. In rare cases, where the coccyx has suffered damage, has bone spurs, or is malformed, corrective surgery may be required.
Difficult To Diagnose - A sore tailbone can sometimes be difficult to diagnose as other conditions at times mimic coccydynia or tailbone pain. An infection in the general area, the presence of cysts, a fracture, though not of the tailbone itself, or sciatica, a condition affecting the sciatic nerve, can all appear as a tailbone problem. Occasionally a specialist is needed to determine the true situation. A diagnosis can be even more difficult in a case of what is called a referred pain, pain that is felt in one area due to a disorder in quite a different area. Disorders of the nervous system often have referred pain as symptoms and can at times it can be quite difficult to isolate the actual source of the problem.
Preventive Measures - Besides staying on your feet, in other words avoiding falling on your butt, which is one way to avoid a sore tailbone, there are a few things one can due to avoid the problem arising from other circumstances. One preventive measure is to sit "nicely", which is to say sit straight and don't slump, which puts all your weight on your tailbone. The tailbone was not created as a load-bearing part of our skeletal system. We have a couple of hip bones called the "sit bones", that are there to bear our weight when sitting. Use them and not the tailbone, and a sore tailbone problem may be averted.
Even if you sit correctly, it can be helpful not to sit for too long. It's better to stand up and stretch, or take a short walk to stretch the muscles and give the joints a little exercise. Back exercises, done on a regular basis, can help too. Exercise helps keep muscles well toned, plus makes good posture easier to maintain. We usually don't exercise with our tailbone in mind, unless a sore tailbone reminds us it might not have been a bad idea.