Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, is most commonly caused by acute trauma to the tailbone or surrounding area, resulting in injury and inflammation at the bottom of the spine. In some cases, tailbone pain can occur without prior injury – these cases of coccydynia are often due to a tumor, cysts, or an infection. Many conditions mimic the symptoms of coccydynia, which is why a professional diagnosis is extremely important. Detecting the root cause of persistent tailbone pain will lead to a more effective treatment plan; we at Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches have ample experience working with men and women suffering from undiagnosed tailbone pain, and we are extremely well-versed in all of the potential causes. You may be at increased risk of coccydynia if you have recently sustained an injury to the tailbone, or if you have sustained an injury to the pelvic bones recently or in the past.
Symptoms of Tailbone Pain
Those experiencing tailbone will typically suffer the following symptoms:
- Increased pain and sensitivity in the tailbone area
- Worsening pain when sitting
- Bruising in the tailbone region (if the injury is traumatic enough)
- Increased pain and discomfort with bowel movements
- Pin during sexual intercourse (typically only occurs in women)
If a tailbone injury is severe, and the pain does not subside on its own within a week or two, the coccyx may be fractured. For this reason, it is crucial to be examined by a medical professional at the onset of significant tailbone pain.
Treatment for Tailbone Pain
When it comes to a bruised tailbone, time and increased bed rest is often the best medicine. However, is the tailbone is fractured, more intensive treatment options may be necessary. You may be able to lessen tailbone pain on your own by making a few small adjustments to your day-to-day life, such as using a specially designed pillow when sitting or attempting to lean forward a bit more when sitting down. Individuals suffering from tailbone pain have also experienced relief when taking over-the-counter pain medications, or alternating hot and cold compresses. If tailbone pain is severe and does not resolve on its own within a matter of weeks, you may be suffering from chronic tailbone pain. If this is the case, treatment methods such as physical therapy, medication, and even surgery may be utilized.
How Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches Heals Tailbone Pain
When treating tailbone pain, we at Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches will first determine whether pain is short-term or chronic. If pain is short-term, we will develop a treatment plan geared towards a temporary alleviation of pain and a quick, low-maintenance recovery. If pain is determined to be chronic, we will develop a highly individualized treatment plan based on the severity of symptoms, the length of time the symptoms have been present, and any potential pre-existing conditions. Our main goal is to develop a customized treatment plan geared towards helping you return to day-to-day life as soon as possible.
If you are suffering from tailbone pain, we can help. Call (561) 434-7577 and let the caring staff at Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches get you on the path to healing.
