Category: coccydynia

coccydynia, Coccyx, tailbone pain

TAILBONE PAIN

S Bara

Tailbone pain is the pain that occurs in and around the bone structure at the bottom of the spine (coccyx). Tail bone pain can be caused by trauma to the coccyx during a fall, prolonged sitting on a hard or narrow surface and can be caused by degenerative joint changes.

Also called coccydynia or coccygodynia, tail bone pain, usually goes away on its own within a few weeks or months. To lessen tailbone pain in the meantime, it might help to:

  • Lean forward while sitting down.
  • Apply heat in the affected area.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Sit on a U-shaped pillow cushion to relieve the pressure on the tailbone.
the memory seat cushion above is available on the following link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Products-Innova-Orthopedic-Cushion-Removable/dp/B07Q6RVPXB/ref=sr_1_18_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=coccyx+seat+cushion&qid=1633445179&sr=8-18-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMFQ5TzJNTVBDTTlTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzUzMzgxMlM1RjY5RFM1QjBTSyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODE4MjExMUFSQlVPREE0MEg0UyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

If your tail bone pain doesn’t improve (chronic coccydynia), consult your doctor who might recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to find out if you have a fracture, degenerative changes or, in rare cases, a tumour.

Possible treatments for chronic tail bone pain might include:

  • Physical therapy. A physical therapist might show you how to do pelvic floor relaxation techniques, such as breathing deeply and completely relaxing your pelvic floor.
  • Manipulation. Messaging the muscles attached to the tailbone might help ease the pain.
  • Medication. An injection of a local anaesthetic into the tail bone can relieve pain for few weeks.
  • Surgery. During a procedure known as coccygectomy, the coccyx is surgically removed. This option is only recommended when all other treatments have failed. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tailbone-pain-coccydynia/
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coccydynia, Coccyx, coccyx or tailbone pain

COCCYX PAIN

S Bara

In general, coccyx pain is caused by injury. Coccyx injuries are due to direct impact from a fall onto your bottom. The severity of the injury can range from a bruise to a fracture. Most coccyx injuries heal on their own given time and self-management.

Below are some of the advice to help people with coccyx pain:

  • People with coccyx pain are advised to avoid sitting for long periods, so if you can stand during the day, that is recommended. If you must sit, leaning forward will take some of the pressure off your coccyx.
  • Some people find sitting on a “coccyx cushion”, which has a U-Shaped design at the back, helps to avoid weight bearing on the coccyx while sitting.
  • Cold compression can be applied for up to 20 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day.
  • Simple pain killers such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen can be very effective for helping with pain and swelling, but don’t use them for more than 2 weeks without seeking medical advice.
  • Exercises. It is important to keep your lumbar spine moving normally. The exercises below will help to gently maintain or regain normal movement:
  • (a) Extension Facing Wall. Stand, leaning against a wall with your feet 30 cm (1 foot) from the wall. Puch your stomach and pelvis towards the wall and hold for 5 seconds before returning to the start position. Repeat 2-3 times each hour. (Note – if your stomach touches the wall, move your feet backwards a little for the next stretch.
  • (b) Side Flexion in Standing. Stand with your arms by your side. Slowly slide one hand down the outside of your leg so you feel a stretch. Slowly return to the upright position and repeat to the opposite side. Repeat 2-3 times every hour.
back pain, coccydynia, Coccyx, coccyx or tailbone pain, sciatica, seat cushion

WHEN SITTING ON A CHAIR FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND/OR WHEN DRIVING LONG DISTANCES WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SEAT ON TOP OF A SEAT CUSHION?

S Bara

Seating on a chair for long period of time and/or driving long distances without taking a break will increase pressure in your lower back. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-sit-correctly/ This increased pressure in your lower back will not only cause pressure damage in your buttock but will also cause pressure in you sciatic nerve. If you have ever spent a long time sitting in a plane, you will remember that no matter how comfortable the seat starts out feeling, after few hours you get uncomfortable and anxious to get up and move around. Sitting on a chair and/or sitting in a car for long time may cause the discomfort as if you are sitting in a plane for long time. As on an aeroplane, this may cause not only stiffness but also pressure damage and either lethargy or restlessness. So, seating on the best seat cushion will not only make you comfortable but will also prevent pressure damage, promote blood flow and reduce pressure in your sciatic nerve and relieve pressure in your lower back and spine.

There are various types of seat cushions on the market today and this variety may cause difficulty in choosing the right seat cushion. So, to help in making the right choice, below are 5 things you need to know before choosing the right seat cushion:

  • Price

There are cheaper seat cushions on the market (which of cause come with inferior quality). There are also those moderate and luxury options that offer superior quality that will suit your specific demands.

  • The inner material

When selecting the seat cushion, you will need to think of the seat cushion that is made of an ultra comfortable memory foam that contours to the curves of your body and yet never loses its own shape even after prolonged use.

  • The outer material

For maximum comfort the material that make the outer cover should be plush & ultra cozy to prevent friction. The seat cushion cover should be hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin and should be easily removable and machine washable.

  • Portability

The benefit of buying a portable seat cushion is that you can take it out of your car and use it inside your home when sitting in front of your study desk or when sitting on your sofa. Portable seat cushion is also useful for drivers who switch between cars. The seat cushion should be lightweight and compact, this make them convenient for travel and road trips.

coccydynia

WHEN DO YOU GET MEDICAL ADVICE IF YOU SUFFER FROM COCCYDYNIA?

S Bara

Coccydynia is the inflammation localised to the tail bone (coccyx). Symptoms and signs of coccydynia include focal pain & tenderness of the tail bone. The pain is usually dull and achy. An injury to the coccyx is the major risk factor for coccydynia.

In some cases, the pain will improve over few weeks or months, but occasionally it can last much longer and severely affect your ability to carry out everyday activities.

See your doctor if:

  • the pain does not start to improve within few weeks
  • home treatments do not relieve the pain
  • the pain is severe
  • you also have bleeding, a high temperature or pain is moving away from your coccyx

Your doctor will carry out an examination to check for more serious causes of your pain, such as infection or a fracture.

In some cases, your doctor may refer you for tests such as xray or MRI scan.