Tailbone Pain: Causes and When to Seek Treatment - Orthopedics

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Tailbone pain, medically known as coccydynia, can be a frustrating and debilitating condition that significantly impacts daily life. It often arises from trauma, such as a fall or prolonged sitting, and can manifest as sharp pain in the tailbone area, which may radiate to the lower back, hips, or even the legs. Given your history of trauma to the tailbone two years ago, it is possible that the pain you are experiencing now is related to that previous injury.


Causes of Tailbone Pain
1. Trauma: As you mentioned, a direct impact to the tailbone can lead to bruising or fractures. Even if the pain subsided initially, it could have resulted in lingering inflammation or sensitivity in the area.

2. Postural Issues: Poor posture while sitting can put excessive pressure on the tailbone, leading to pain. This is especially true if you sit for long periods without proper support.

3. Coccydynia: This condition can occur without any identifiable cause, often linked to inflammation of the coccyx or surrounding tissues.

4. Nerve Compression: The sensation of numbness or tingling in the left side of your body could indicate nerve involvement, possibly due to irritation or compression in the lower back or pelvis.

5. Muscle Strain: The muscles and ligaments around the coccyx can become strained, leading to pain that may be exacerbated by certain movements or positions.


When to Seek Treatment
If your pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Given your symptoms, you should consider consulting with either an orthopedic specialist or a rehabilitation physician. An orthopedic doctor can evaluate any structural issues with the coccyx or surrounding bones, while a rehabilitation specialist can address functional aspects and provide therapies to alleviate pain.


Diagnostic Approach
Upon visiting a healthcare provider, they may conduct a physical examination and possibly recommend imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, to assess for fractures, dislocations, or other abnormalities. They may also evaluate your posture and sitting habits to identify contributing factors.


Treatment Options
1. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

2. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and improve posture, which may help relieve pressure on the tailbone.

3. Cushions and Supports: Using a cushion designed for tailbone pain can help reduce pressure while sitting. These cushions often have a cut-out section to relieve pressure on the coccyx.

4. Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the affected area can help relax muscles and reduce pain.

5. Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation around the coccyx.

6. Surgery: Although rare, surgical intervention may be considered in severe cases where conservative treatments fail.


Conclusion
In summary, your recent tailbone pain could be related to your previous injury, and the numbness you are experiencing may indicate nerve involvement. It is essential to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. By addressing both the pain and any contributing factors, you can work towards improving your quality of life and reducing discomfort. Remember to maintain good posture, use supportive seating, and avoid prolonged periods of sitting to help manage your symptoms effectively.