Conquering Coccydynia, aka “Tailbone Pain”
What is Coccydynia? Coccydynia is the medical term for tailbone inflammation. And, in the jargony language of doctors, your tailbone is referred to as your coccyx. The suffix -dynia means pain. Hence, the term coccydynia translates to coccyx pain. A triangular group of 4 fused bones, your coccyx forms the bottom-most portion of your spine, just beneath your sacrum. A strange little structure, the coccyx appears to have served a now-defunct purpose. Scientists believe that the coccyx may represent the ancient remnants of a tail… something that we lost over many millennia of evolution. However, the tailbone does serve as the point of attachment for several key muscles, ligaments, and tendons. So, it’s not entirely useless. In particular, your coccyx connects to your gluteus maximus (or butt muscles) and your levator ani (or pelvic floor muscles). Perhaps because the coccyx supports the pelvic floor muscles, coccydynia is 5 times more likely to occur in women than in men. This could be for several reasons, but the most likely explanation has to do with female pelvic anatomy. Unlike men, women have a broader pelvis to accommodate childbirth. Although more flexible in a number of ways, the female pelvis actually allows for less rotation. Coupled with manual trauma to the coccyx from childbirth, this can lead to chronic pain. The dedicated surgeons at NJ Spine and Ortho can help you alleviate this pain. What Causes Coccydynia? Because women have a tendency to develop coccydynia 5 times as often as men, coccydynia was once believed to be a form of “female hysteria.” Now, we know that coccygeal pain can result from many causes. The most common of these includes: Mobility Defects: Too much movement (hypermobility) in the joint that connects the coccyx to the sacrum can lead to coccyx injuries. However, on the flip side, too little movement (hypomobility) prevents the tailbone from assuming a comfortable position while we are sitting. Over time, this repetitive strain can lead to coccyx pain. Injuries: Injuries to the coccyx are by far the most common cause of tailbone pain. These can occur from unexpected falls or a sudden blow during high-impact sports. Tailbone trauma often results in bruising around the coccyx, coccygeal fractures, and/or dislocations. Childbirth: Like injuries, childbirth can cause manual trauma to the coccyx. This usually takes place when the fetus’ head passes over the coccyx during the delivery process. If the fetus’ head is larger than normal or positioned awkwardly, then coccygeal injuries can result. Strain: Prolonged sitting–whether at a desk, on top of a horse, or while mountain biking over rough terrain–can place extreme pressure on your coccyx. Over time, this repetitive strain can lead to pain flare-ups. Furthermore, if acute inflammation turns chronic, then the coccygeal joint can begin to degenerate from overuse. Obesity: Being overweight tends to compound coccydynia, especially during activities that involve sitting for long periods of time. Excess weight places even more strain on the coccyx, encouraging soreness. Bone Spurs, Spinal Tumors: Each of these conditions involves