Coccygodynia, more simply known as coccyx pain, can be caused by a structural abnormality or a fall, although the reason for the pain is still unknown in about a third of cases. This disorder often occurs when sitting for a long time. In some cases, the patient experiences sharp pain when moving from sitting to standing. Pain can also occur during sexual intercourse or defecation.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Seek Medical Help
Step 1. Go to the doctor for a visit
He will know what to look for to assess your case. You may have an x-ray, computed tomography or even an MRI scan. The two most effective tests to diagnose this problem are the injection of a local anesthetic in the coccyx area, to check if it temporarily relieves the pain, and the comparison of radiographic images taken in a standing and sitting position, to understand if the coccyx is displaced. when the patient is sitting.
The doctor will also check for the presence of a pilonidal cyst, which can form in the coccygeal region due to an infection triggered by ingrown hair. By treating this type of cyst you can relieve pain or eliminate it completely
Step 2. Learn to recognize the symptoms associated with a tailbone injury
You should see a doctor to get a diagnosis, but knowing the symptoms can help you determine the cause of the problem and allows you to provide important information to the doctor. Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the coccyx without experience pain in the lower back;
- Pain when moving from sitting to standing
- Frequent need to defecate or pain during bowel movements
- Pain relief when you sit on your legs or on one buttock only.
Step 3. Evaluate the possible causes of the pain
If your tailbone has suffered any trauma, you must inform your doctor during the visit to help him find the right treatment for your specific case.
According to some estimates, coccydynia is about 5 times more common in women than in men. One cause could be injury to the coccygeal region that can occur during childbirth
Step 4. Ask your doctor for medication
Certain types of medicines can help you relieve pain. For example, antiepileptics and antidepressants have been shown to be effective in alleviating this painful syndrome. Ask your doctor if you can take any of these medications.
Keep in mind that narcotics typically aren't prescribed unless there is a coccyx fracture. If your bone breaks, your doctor may prescribe painkillers to relieve your physical pain. You will likely need to take an x-ray to confirm the fracture
Step 5. Consider surgery if other solutions do not lead to desired results
Most patients who undergo this type of surgery to relieve coccyx pain have already tried other non-surgical treatments that have not worked. Try all your options before thinking about surgery, which is sometimes debilitating.
If the pain is quite severe, occurs every day for six months or more, and / or interferes with your normal daily activities, ask your doctor to refer you to an orthopedist who specializes in removing the coccyx
Method 2 of 2: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply ice to the area
This simple remedy can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. During the first 48 hours after your injury, you should apply ice once every hour when you are awake. Wrap the cold pack in a towel and place it on your tailbone for 20 minutes at a time. After 48 hours you can apply ice for relief three times a day following the same method.
Step 2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are good for relieving pain and swelling. These are non-prescription drugs, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and you can buy them at any pharmacy or drugstore.
Take 600 mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours or 500 mg of acetaminophen every 4 hours. Do not exceed 3500 mg of the latter drug within 24 hours
Step 3. Get into proper posture
An abnormal position can aggravate coccydynia. Try to sit up straight, with your abs tight, your neck straight and your back slightly arched. If you experience excruciating pain when rising from a seated position, lean forward and arch your back before lifting yourself up.
Step 4. Sit on a pillow
There are special pillows with a slit at the coccyx that have been specially designed for those suffering from this type of ailment. They can help relieve some of the pain you feel while sitting. You can make a custom pillow yourself using a piece of foam rubber. It is sufficient to cut a hole in the center so that it takes the shape of the toilet seat.
Most patients do not find donut-shaped pillows helpful, as they are designed to relieve pressure on the genitals rather than the tailbone. Talk to your doctor about using wedge-shaped pillows
Step 5. Apply an electric warmer
Studies have shown that heat in the tailbone area can reduce pain. Place the warmer on the affected area 4 times a day for 20 minutes at a time.
Try getting hot packs or a hot bath if you don't have a warmer available
Step 6. Schedule a rest and recovery period
If the tailbone is truly fractured, there is no way to apply a brace or cast. The only thing to do is to rest the area and avoid doing strenuous activities for about 8 to 12 weeks. If you do physical work, you will need to organize yourself to avoid doing certain tasks for some time while you are recovering.
Step 7. Don't overexert yourself when you go to the bathroom
Some people experience pain when they defecate due to coccydynia. Constipation is best avoided by supplementing the diet with lots of fiber and fluids. If necessary, take mild laxatives during the healing period.
Advice
Coccygodynia could be a sign of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It is possible that the hips and tailbone are misaligned. This can be inferred from coccyx pain on one or both sides
Warnings
- This painful syndrome can persist and cause discomfort for long periods. Doctors have found that many patients experience some degree of pain for several months after trauma to the coccygeal area.
- See your family doctor or specialist as soon as possible if you experience unbearable pain in the sacral region or if this is not motivated by a known cause or injury.
