Coccydynia
Back pain is a common condition affecting 8 out of 10 adults and is the number one reason for disability in the world. The intensity of pain differs from person to person.
Back pain is more common in the lower back region, also known as lumbago. Backache can be felt anywhere along your spine, from your neck to hips. Correct back pain treatment is essential to relieve your back pain symptoms. Backache can range from a muscle aching to shooting, stabbing, or burning sensation.
The pain might radiate down your leg or worsen with movements like bending, twisting, lifting, walking, or standing. The back pain is considered chronic if it lasts for more than 12 weeks. People who suffer from back pain experience any combination of the following symptoms:
- Pain could be constant or could occur at irregular intervals.
- Soreness when the affected area is touched.
- Difficulty in performing routine activities like bending, standing, or walking due to pain.
- The pain is localized or radiates to the legs, passing through the buttocks and thighs.
- Pain in the leg or foot that radiates.
- Pain only on one side of the buttock or leg.
- Tingling or numbness in the lower body or limbs.
- Difficulty in controlling functions of bowel and bladder
Coccydynia is a medical term that refers to pain in the coccyx, which is the small triangular bone at the bottom of the spine, also known as the tailbone. The pain may be sharp or dull, and it can make sitting or even walking uncomfortable.
- Trauma: A fall or blow to the tailbone can cause bruising, inflammation, or even a fracture, leading to pain.
- Prolonged sitting: Sitting for extended periods of time, especially on hard surfaces, can put pressure on the coccyx and surrounding muscles, causing pain.
- Childbirth: During childbirth, the tailbone can be displaced or injured, leading to coccydynia.
- Degenerative joint disease: Arthritis or other forms of joint degeneration can cause inflammation and pain in the coccyx.
- Tumours or infections: Rarely, tumours or infections in the coccyx or surrounding tissues can cause pain and discomfort.
- Abnormal bone structure: Some people are born with a tailbone that is more curved or angled than normal, which can lead to pain.
- Repetitive strain injury: Repetitive strain on the tailbone and surrounding muscles, such as from certain sports or occupations, can cause pain.
The diagnosis of coccydynia (tailbone pain) typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. During the physical exam, your doctor will examine the tailbone area, looking for any swelling, tenderness, or abnormality. They may also ask you to perform certain movements, such as sitting or bending, to see if they exacerbate your pain.
In addition to the physical exam, your doctor may order one or more diagnostic tests to help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of your pain. These tests may include:
- X-rays: An X-ray can show the alignment and structure of the tailbone, and can help identify any fractures or other abnormalities.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI can provide detailed images of the tailbone and surrounding tissues, helping to identify any inflammation, tumours, or other conditions that may be causing your pain.
- Computerised tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan can provide detailed images of the tailbone and surrounding structures, and can help identify any fractures or other abnormalities.
- Bone scan: A bone scan can help identify areas of bone damage or abnormality that may be causing your pain.
Your doctor will use the results of these tests, along with your medical history and physical exam, to determine the cause of your coccydynia and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
The treatment for coccydynia (tailbone pain) depends on the underlying cause of the pain. Some common treatments include:
- Rest and avoiding activities that worsen the pain: In many cases, coccydynia can be treated by simply avoiding activities that put pressure on the tailbone, such as sitting for long periods of time or engaging in activities that involve repetitive motion.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: ESWT is a noninvasive medical treatment that uses shockwaves that are high-energy sound waves directed at the affected area, stimulating healing and reducing pain.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the tailbone can help alleviate pain and prevent future flare-ups.
- Ice and heat therapy: Applying ice to the tailbone for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Heat therapy, such as sitting in a warm bath or using a heating pad, can also help alleviate pain.