coccydynia, Coccyx, tailbone pain

TAILBONE PAIN

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

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, Coccyx, coccyx or tailbone pain, sciatica, sciatica during pregnancy, seat cushion

5 BEST TIPS WHEN TRAVELLING BY AIRPLANE, COACH OR BY CAR WHEN YOU SUFFER FROM SCIATICA

  • Get an aisle seat. If you travel by coach or taking a flight, make sure you get an aisle seat. With an aisle seat you don’t have to worry about disturbing anyone.
  • Have plenty of stops if travelling by car. Make sure you stop regularly to walk around and stretch.
  • Stretch regularly. This relives pressure in your sciatic nerve and promote blood flow and reduce the pain.
  • If its a long journey try and shorten it by going to sleep in a hotel and continue the journey the following day.
  • Sciatic pain relief cushion. Invest in a memory foam seat cushion. Simple to use and easy to carry, U-Shaped seat cushion designed to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve while sitting. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Products-Innova-Orthopedic-Cushion-Removable/dp/B07Q6RVPXB/ref=sr_1_30?keywords=coccyx+seat+cushion&qid=1581838770&sr=8-30
Picture of a U-Shaped memory foam seat cushion. Picture is placed on top of a car seat with a U-shape of the cushion against the back of the car chair
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?

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.

Coccyx

5 HOME REMEDIES FOR COCCYX PAIN OR TAILBONE PAIN

(1) Avoid sitting down on hard surface for long periods of time. When sitting on hard surface lean forward and direct weight away from the tailbone.

(2) Purchase a U-shaped memory foam seat cushion. This cushion helps to avoid direct painful contact against the coccyx area.

(3) Use NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain control.

(4) Eat foods high in fibre to soften stools and avoid constipation, which can sometimes cause worsening pain in the coccyx area.

(5) For traumatic injuries, apply ice to the tailbone area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for first few days after the injury.

Coccyx

COCCYX PAIN

Pain in the coccyx (or tail bone) is generally due to injury. The severity of injury can range from a bruise to a fracture. Injury can be due to direct impact from a fall onto your bottom. Some sports, such as cycling or rowing can increase the risk of coccyx pain due to repetitive pressure or friction on the coccyx.

The following may help reduce the coccyx pain:

image of a specially designed coccyx cushion, U-Shaped at the back to prevent pressure on your coccyx or tailbone when sitting on top of this cusion
100% memory foam cushion
  • (2) avoid prolonged sitting whenever possible – try to stand up and walk around regularly, leaning forward while seated may also help.
  • (3) wear loose-fitting clothes – avoid clothing such as tight jeans or trousers that may put pressure on your tailbone.
  • (4) cold packs and warm pack.
  • (5) try laxatives (medicines to treat constipation) if the pain is worse when you’re having a poo – many laxatives are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets without prescription.
  • (6) take over-the-counter painkillers. If the pain and discomfort is not too severe, it may be relieved with over-the-counter pain killers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) which are available without a prescription. However, some people cannot take NSAIDS because they’re allergic to them or have an increased risk of developing stomach ulcers. If this is the case, try taking paracetamol instead. Ask a pharmacist or GP for advice if you’re unsure what to take.
Coccyx

WHAT CAUSE COCCYX PAIN & HOW TO MANAGE COCCYX PAIN

The coccyx is a small triangular bone at the base of the spine that consist of 3-5 vertebrae. The coccyx is attached to the sacrum / base of the spine by various ligaments and the levator ani muscle (part of pelvic floor muscles).

Listed below is what can cause the coccyx painful:

  • Prolonged sitting, especially on a hard surface
  • Bending
  • Lifting
  •  Trauma / fall onto buttocks and coccyx
  • Repetitive micro trauma, for example from inadequate posture or sports such as cycling and motor sports
  • In women coccyx can also be painful after natural childbirth, the ligaments around coccyx are strained from pushing

Listed below are measures to help manage coccyx pain?

  • Avoid sitting for prolonged periods
  • Adjust how you get in and out of bed – try to roll onto your side and push yourself up, rather than sitting up directly onto the coccyx
  • Physiotherapy & exercises can help
  • Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)
  • Postural correction – adequate sitting and standing posture can help to alleviate pressure on the coccyx. Ensure you sit on an appropriate cushion with support on the coccyx. Do not seat slumped. Do not let your bottom / back arch backwards.
  • specific coccyx cushions (U Shaped) to relieve pressure on the coccyx. Try to use this cushion every time you sit down. Amazon will deliver this cushion at your address if you buy it from the following website https://www.baraimporting.uk/innova-orthopedic-seat-cushion.html
image of a specific  U-Shaped coccyx cushion to relieve pressure on the coccyx.
100% memory foam seat cushion
a photo of a person seating on the specific coccyx cushion designed to relieve pressure on the coccyx
image on how the cushion can be placed on the car, u shape design against the back of the chair.
image showing the cover of the cushion is easy to remove and clean it and is also machine washable
Coccyx

COCCYX PAIN OR TAIL BONE PAIN

Pain in the coccyx (or tail bone) is generally due to injury. The severity of injury can range from a bruise to a fracture. Injury can be due to direct impact from a fall onto your bottom. Some sports, such as cycling or rowing can increase the risk of coccyx pain due to repetitive pressure or friction on the coccyx.

In most 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. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tailbone-pain-coccydynia/

The following may help reduce the coccyx pain:

  • use a specially designed coccyx cushion – this cushion can be bought on amazon at the following website  https://www.baraimporting.uk/innova-orthopedic-seat-cushion.html  this cushion help reduce the pressure on your tailbone/coccyx while you’re sitting down.
  • avoid prolonged sitting whenever possible – try to stand up and walk around regularly, leaning forward while seated may also help.
  • wear loose-fitting clothes – avoid clothing such as tight jeans or trousers that may put pressure on your tailbone.
  • cold packs and warm pack .
  • try laxatives (medicines to treat constipation) if the pain is worse when you’re having a poo – many laxatives are available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets without prescription.
  • take over-the-counter painkillers. If the pain and discomfort is not too severe, it may be relieved with over-the-counter pain killers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which are available without a prescription. However, some people cannot take NSAIDS because they’re allergic to them or have an increased risk of developing stomach ulcers. If this is the case, try taking paracetamol instead. Ask a pharmacist or GP for advice if you’re unsure what to take.
Picture of specially designed coccyx cushion. Cushion is placed on top of the chair showing that the U-Shape design of the cushion should be against the back of the chair