What is the Cause of Tailbone Pain?
Coccydynia is more commonly known as tailbone pain. This is characterized by persistent pain at the bottom of your spine. Tailbone pain can occur after a trauma. However, it can also happen spontaneously. The pain will often last for weeks or months. In many cases, it can be debilitating.
What is Your Tailbone?
Your tailbone is officially known as the coccyx. It is located at the end of your spine and is a triangular bone. It consists of 3 to 5 bone segments fused together. These bones form a joint with the sacrum. Your tailbone has very limited movement and its functions are as follows:
- Supporting the pelvic floor
- Providing voluntary bowel control
- Providing attachment to muscles and ligaments in the pelvic area
- Assisting natural childbirth (for women)
- Facilitating moving backward
The tailbone is well innervated. This means that when injured, it can cause significant pain.
5 Possible Causes of Tailbone Pain
Coccyx pain can be caused by direct trauma, degeneration, and repetitive injury. Below are the 5 most common reasons for tailbone pain.
1. Anatomical changes in the coccyx: Your tailbone is normally slightly tilted forward. If this position ever changes because of anatomical variations, however, it can:
- Impinge on soft tissues, when placed more backward
- Obstruct bowel movements if placed more forward
- Obstruct childbirth when placed more forward
The tailbone segments become unstable causing coccygeal dynamic instability. Therefore, this causes excessive movement of the segments.
2. Coccyx bruising, dislocation, or fracture: Damage to the bony segments and ligaments occur from:
- Childbirth, as the coccyx is forced backward
- Trauma such as slipping or falling and landing in a seated position
The risk of trauma increases with pregnancy and being overweight
3. Coccyx bone spurs: A bone spur is an overgrown or thickened bone. If one develops in your tailbone, however, the length and angle can be changed. Bone spurs pinch the skin and tissues anytime you sit up or lean back. Furthermore, a great deal of pain with these movements.
4. Coccygeal arthritis: Osteoarthritis can develop in the tailbone as a result of wear and tear and cause pain.
5. Infections and tumors: Tumors or infections can develop in the coccyx, although rare. A malignant tumor known as chondroma is the most common in the coccygeal area. Although the most common bone infection is called Osteomyelitis in this area. Having a previous coccygeal surgery, sepsis, or an immunodeficiency increases your risk.
Having tailbone pain makes it very uncomfortable to sit. The pain can range from mild to severe. It can also be dull aches or sharp and stabbing pain. The pain will depend on the cause.
Tailbone Pain Symptoms
Unique symptoms that identify a tailbone injury, such as:
- Pain when sitting. A sitting position places most of your weight on the coccygeal area. You will experience pain in the general area. Furthermore, sitting on both hard and soft surfaces can trigger pain.
- Pain when partially reclining. Leaning back puts additional pressure on the coccyx. Therefore, pain can increase when you lean back in your chair.
- Pain when you stand. Moving from a seated position to standing causes pain. This pain is more severe when you have coccygeal dynamic instability. As a result of the excess bone movement, the pain will be sharp as you stand.
You can protect your tailbone by sitting in certain positions. However, make sure you lean forward slightly to reduce the weight on your coccyx. You can also lean to one side, putting weight on one buttock. This can help reduce pain anytime you are sitting.
If you are experiencing tailbone pain without relief, call us today for a specialist near you at 888-409-8006.