Reasons You May Be Experiencing Tailbone Pain
Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, can be a frustrating and debilitating condition. Whether you’re struggling to sit for long periods, experiencing pain during physical activity, or finding it difficult to sleep comfortably, tailbone pain can significantly impact your quality of life. If you’re experiencing these symptoms and are unsure of the cause, it’s important to recognize the potential reasons for your tailbone pain and seek help from professionals like Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery.
Our team of experts is dedicated to helping patients find relief from tailbone pain and get back to your daily life. By understanding the potential causes of tailbone pain and identifying the most effective treatment options, we can help you find the relief you need to live your life to the fullest.
What Causes Tailbone Pain?
There are several potential causes of tailbone pain, both temporary and long-term. Temporary tailbone pain can be caused by sitting on an uncomfortable seat, such as a hard bench or pew, for an extended period. This can result in strain or inflammation of the tailbone, leading to pain.
Trauma, such as falls and accidents, can also cause tailbone pain or result in the coccyx breaking or fracturing. Age-related wear and tear can also cause tailbone pain, especially if you engage in repetitive motions that strain the coccyx.
Being overweight or pregnant can also contribute to tailbone pain, as the extra weight puts extra pressure on the coccyx. Rapid weight loss, however, is not healthy either, as it can expose the padding that protects the tailbone and make it more prone to injury. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of tailbone pain and seek help from a healthcare professional to determine the cause and find the most effective treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Tailbone Pain?
To diagnose tailbone pain, your healthcare provider will likely begin by asking about your injury history, daily activities, and pain level. This will help them better understand your symptoms and potential causes of your tailbone pain. After gathering this information, your provider may conduct a physical exam of your spine and, in some cases, a rectal exam to check for abnormalities. These exams can help your provider identify potential issues with your tailbone or surrounding tissues.
Tailbone pain can present with various symptoms and signs, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms and signs that may accompany tailbone pain include:
- Pain when sitting
- Pain when standing up
- Pain during physical activity
- Difficulty sleeping
- Swelling or tenderness
- Difficulty with bowel movements
Your provider may order a series of X-rays or an MRI to assess your condition further. These imaging tests can help your provider determine if you have a fracture or dislocation in your tailbone and identify any other underlying issues. By gathering all of this information, your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment options to help you find relief from your tailbone pain.
How Can I Prevent Tailbone Pain?
You can take several precautions to help prevent tailbone injuries in your daily life. Here are some tips:
- Strengthen your core and improve your balance through physical exercise or physical therapy.
- Remove tripping hazards from your home, yard, and office to reduce the risk of falls.
- Avoid walking on wet or slippery surfaces, and wear shoes with non-slip treads to improve your footing.
- Avoid cycling or sitting for extended periods, as these activities can strain your tailbone.
- Take care when walking across a wet parking lot, as the painted lines can be slippery.
- Never pull a chair out from underneath someone, as this can cause serious injury.
If you’re experiencing recurrent tailbone pain, but it’s not severe enough to warrant a visit to the doctor, there are some steps you can take at home to help prevent future episodes of tailbone pain, including:
- Avoid sitting on hard surfaces for long periods. If you must sit for extended periods, consider using a shock-absorbent chair pillow or cushion to help reduce strain on your tailbone.
- If you’ve experienced a traumatic injury, such as a fall on ice, apply ice to the affected area for 15–20 minutes to help reduce swelling and pain.
It’s important to remember that these measures are only meant to provide temporary relief and are not a substitute for seeking medical attention if you are experiencing severe or persistent tailbone pain. If you’re unable to find relief with home remedies and your tailbone pain is interfering with your daily activities, it’s a good idea to seek help from a healthcare professional.
Get Relief from Tailbone Pain With Expert Care From Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery
Are you experiencing tailbone pain and looking for relief? Our team of experts at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery is here to help. With locations throughout Florida, we’re dedicated to helping patients find the relief they need from tailbone pain and get back to their normal activities.
Our team of experienced healthcare professionals can assess your condition, determine the cause of your pain, and recommend the most effective treatment options to help you find relief. Don’t let tailbone pain disrupt your life any longer. To get in touch with one of our spinal experts, please call us at (855) 853-6542 or use our contact form.