COCCYDYNIA
What is Coccyx?
The coccyx is a triangular arrangement of bone that makes up the very bottom portion of the spine below the sacrum. It represents a vestigial tail, hence the common term tailbone.
The coccyx is one part of a three-part support for a person in the seated position. Weight is distributed between the bottom portions of the two hip bones (or ischium) and the tailbone, providing balance and stability when a person is seated.
The tailbone is the connecting point for many pelvic floor muscles. These muscles help support the anus and aid in defecation and assist in walking, running, and moving the legs.
What is Coccydynia?
Coccydynia is the term used to describe the symptoms of pain that occur in the region of the coccyx.
It is also referred to as coccydynia, coccalgia, coccygeal neuralgia or tailbone pain.
It is commonly triggered in a sitting position, but may also occur when the individual changes from a sitting to standing position
It can get chronic, having negative impacts on quality of life.
Risk Factors
Obesity
Rapid weight loss
Pregnancy
Morphological variations of the coccyx
The variations in morphology of the coccyx can be as:
Type I: The coccyx is slightly curved forward, with its apex positioned downward and caudally
Type II: The forward curvature of the coccyx is more exaggerated, with the apex positioned in a straightforward direction.
Type III: Sharp forward angulation of the coccyx forward.
Type IV: Subluxation of the coccyx at the sacrococcygeal or intercoccygeal joint.
Classification of Coccydynia
post-traumatic (Internal/external trauma)
non-traumatic (Degenerative disc disease, hyper and/or hypo-mobility of the sacrococcygeal joint, infectious diseases and different variations in the configuration of the coccyx
Idiopathic ( occurs in the absence of any pathology in the coccyx.)
Symptoms of Coccydynia
1. Pain
pain in and around the coccyx without any reports of severe low back pain or radiating pain
The pain is typically localized to the sacrococcygeal joint and is described as a “pulling” or “cutting” sensation.
Individuals will commonly report tenderness on palpation of the coccyx.
Pain is usually exacerbated with repeated sitting or with transition from sitting to standing position.
Pain is relieved usually with sitting on the legs or buttock.
Pain increases with defecation or the frequent need to defecate.
Pain increases with coughing and during menstruation in females.
2. Guarding seated posture
Patients usually exhibit a guarding seated posture, whereby one buttock will be elevated to take weight off of the coccyx.
3. Low back pain
morphological variations in the shape of the coccyx and it’s forward curvature may give rise to low back pain.
Management
Non-operative:
90 percent of patients are successfully treated conservatively.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
Activity modification,
Ergonomic adjustments, and
Physical therapy
Surgical:
Coccygectomy or removal of a section or all of the coccyx, is done only when conservative measures fail.
Physical therapy management
Postural awareness
Ergonomics
Use of cushions may be recommended over a 6–8-week period
- Modified wedge-shaped cushions (relieve the pressure placed on the coccyx during sitting)
- Donut shaped or circular cushions (actually increase pressure over the coccyx, but are more beneficial for rectal pain.)
Manual therapy
-stretching
soft tissue manipulation of Levator ani muscle or the coccygeus muscle,
stretching of the piriformis or iliopsoas.
-Joint mobilization
joint mobilization while the coccyx is hyperextended to stretch the Levator ani
repeated mobilizations while the coccyx is rotated
mobilizations of the sacrococcygeal or intercoccygeal joints, posterior mobilizations to the thoracic spine
-Manipulation
manipulations of either the coccyx or sacroiliac joint,
mobilizations of the sacrococcygeal or intercoccygeal joints, posterior mobilizations to the thoracic spine and stretching of the piriformis or iliopsoas.
At Valley Healing Hands, Brownsville, Texas, we provide the best Physical Therapy for Coccydynia or Coccalgia or tail bone pain. Our highly skilled Physical Therapists will be happy to assist you get over your pain. Our patients are very happy with our services. You can check what they have to say and get connected to us here. Our patients love us and you too will!
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