"What Are the Causes of Tailbone Pain, and How Can I Effectively Cope with It?"

Many professionals need to sit for extended periods during their work, such as white-collar workers, drivers, toll collectors, etc. Prolonged sitting can easily compress the coccyx, leading to pain. Many people experience coccyx pain for the first time and may not fully understand it, making it challenging to manage effectively. So, what causes coccyx pain, and what can be done about it?

What Causes Coccyx Pain?

1. True Coccygodynia: Pain originates from the coccyx itself, commonly caused by coccygeal injuries or fractures.

2. Pseudococcygodynia: Pain is reflected from areas outside the coccyx, often associated with pelvic inflammation, tumors, or diseases of the urogenital system. Many factors can cause coccyx pain, including traumatic pain, sacrococcygeal tumors, gynecological diseases, rectal disorders, etc. The most common is primary coccygodynia, which is more prevalent in females due to anatomical characteristics. Causes include trauma, chronic strain on the sacrococcygeal region (e.g., prolonged sitting or cycling), and congenital malformations of the sacrococcygeal vertebrae (e.g., hooked coccyx), leading to inflammation of the sacrococcygeal ligaments, joints, and surrounding soft tissues.

It is recommended to consult an orthopedic specialist for examination. Digital rectal examination is crucial for diagnosing coccyx pain. Additionally, sacrococcygeal X-rays may be taken (often normal in primary coccygodynia). These tests help identify the cause of coccyx pain and rule out sacroanterior tumors or rectal lesions as potential causes.

Upon diagnosis, changing sitting posture to distribute weight on the thighs, avoiding cycling, and placing a soft cushion under the sacrococcygeal area are recommended. Intrarectal massage is an effective treatment for coccyx pain, often combined with local heat therapy for satisfactory results. If necessary, local injections around the coccyx can be considered, but strict aseptic techniques are essential due to the proximity to the anus, which can lead to infection.

If these treatments are ineffective, coccygectomy may be considered for a few patients with persistent coccyx pain.

What to Do About Coccyx Pain?

1. Coccyx pain can have various causes, so treatment should be tailored to individual circumstances. If coccyx pain is due to osteoporosis, increasing calcium intake through supplements or bone broth can help alleviate symptoms.

2. Many white-collar workers spend long hours seated in front of computers. If coccyx pain arises from prolonged sitting, incorporating more exercise into your routine and finding suitable movements within your office space can significantly alleviate the issue.

3. If you've recently fallen, it's advisable to visit a doctor to check for any injuries that may have caused the coccyx pain. Timely medical attention is crucial if the pain is due to a fall-related bone issue.