Coccyx (Buttock) Pain
The coccyx is the end of the spine, just below the sacrum. The human coccyx is often considered a vestigial remnant or corollary of a tail; thus, the coccyx is referred to as the tailbone. Coccyx pain or coccydynia is pain at the tailbone.
Evaluating Your Condition
WHAT CAUSES COCCYX PAIN?
There are numerous causes of coccyx pain. These include fractures, dislocations, malignancy, and internal and external trauma. Sources of internal trauma include giving birth and external trauma would be due to a fall onto the coccyx. Additionally, coccyx pain can began after prolonged sitting or after certain medical procedures, such as colonoscopies. Some cases of coccydynia are called idiopathic, meaning that there is no clearly defined cause.
HOW PREVALENT IS COCCYX PAIN?
Coccydynia is considered to be relatively uncommon. However, women seem to be affected more frequently than men.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COCCYX PAIN?
- Pain that is markedly worse when sitting
- Local pain in the tailbone area that is worse when touched or when any pressure is placed on it
- Pain that is worse when moving from a sitting to standing position
- Pain that is worse with constipation and feels better after a bowel movement.
Common Treatments Available for Coccyx (Buttock) Pain
- NSAIDS
- Physical Therapy
- Coccyx Injections
