The tailbone, medically referred to as the coccyx, is the small triangular bone at the base of your spine. It’s a remnant from our ancestors and doesn’t serve a significant purpose in the human body today. However, when it hurts, it can be extremely bothersome. Pain in the tailbone, known as coccydynia, can be sharp, aching, or throbbing, and may be constant or come and go. But what causes this discomfort? Here’s a closer look at potential culprits.
Trauma
The most common cause of tailbone pain is direct trauma or injury to the area. This could be due to:
Falls: Landing hard on your buttocks can bruise, dislocate, or even fracture the coccyx.
Childbirth: The process of giving birth can sometimes exert pressure on the tailbone, leading to bruising or dislocation.
Prolonged Sitting
Sitting for extended periods, especially on hard or uneven surfaces, can put excess pressure on the tailbone, leading to inflammation and pain. This is often observed in people with sedentary jobs or those who engage in long cycling rides without proper padding.
Infection
Though rare, an infection in the tailbone area can result in pain. This might be accompanied by swelling, redness, and even drainage of pus.
Tumors
Again, while uncommon, both benign and malignant tumors can cause tailbone pain. A tumor in the coccyx area can press on the bone or surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort.
Referred Pain
Sometimes, the pain isn’t directly in the tailbone but is referred from nearby areas. Conditions like sciatica or herniated discs can result in pain that radiates to the coccyx.
Joint Issues
The coccyx is connected to the sacrum by the sacrococcygeal joint. Arthritis or other issues in this joint can lead to tailbone pain.
Muscle Strains
The muscles surrounding the coccyx, especially the levator ani and coccygeus muscles, when strained, can lead to tailbone discomfort.
Other Conditions
Certain conditions can predispose individuals to tailbone pain, including:
Tarlov cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that form on the sacral nerve root.
Pilonidal cyst: A type of cyst that occurs at the bottom of the tailbone and can become infected, leading to pain.
Tailbone pain, while often benign, can be a significant hindrance to daily life. By understanding potential causes, one can take preventative measures and seek appropriate treatment when necessary. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing persistent or severe pain.
How We Treat Tailbone Pain
In order to address the root cause of your tailbone pain, our treatment strategy is designed to realign the upper cervical spine and alleviate the abnormal pressures contributing to the tailbone inflammation.
The first stage of our treatment plan involves identifying and pinpointing any misalignments in the upper cervical spine. To achieve this, our experienced chiropractor will utilize an array of diagnostic tools, such as gentle X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans.
Post initial assessment and examination, Dr. Bello will carry out highly specific adjustments to the upper cervical spine. The objective of our treatments is to relieve musculoskeletal tension and restore normal joint functionality, which in turn aims to eradicate inflammation and lessen the occurrence and intensity of your tailbone pain.
If you are on the hunt for a natural and effective solution for tailbone pain, Los Angeles Upper Cervical is ready to assist. Dr. Bello provides upper cervical chiropractic treatment to patients in West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Westwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, and nearby areas.