Coccydynia or tailbone pain is pain that you may experience in the coccyx region. The coccyx is the final segment of the spine. The most common causes of tailbone pain include childbirth, coccyx injury, poor posture, unhealthy body weight, and old age. Here are 5 symptoms that will confirm whether you have coccydynia.
1. Pain And Tenderness In The Tailbone Area
The main symptom of coccydynia is pain and tenderness in the area just about the buttocks. If you already have a tailbone injury or you are experiencing pain and discomfort in the lower back, above the buttocks, do not overlook it.
This pain is usually confined to the tailbone area and does not radiate through the pelvis and other lower extremities. The pain may be dull most of the times, with occasional sharp pains. The pain can range from mild to severe.
There may be a general discomfort or tightness around the tailbone constantly, or the pain may come and go with pressure or movement. For instance, if you are bending down to pick up something from the floor, you may experience pain and discomfort. This may be due to a damaged tailbone.
2. Increased Pain With Sitting
The pain may increase from mild to moderate with prolonged sitting. This is because the weight of your body is focused on your coccyx region. When you are sitting, there is excess pressure applied to the muscles and coccyx. This pain may be experienced when you are working – if you have a desk job – or while driving your car.
This increase in pain may also be observed if you are sitting on hard surfaces like a wooden bench or metal chairs. Leaning back against a wall may cause excess pressure to the tailbone area and may worsen the pain.
3. Severe Pain With Movement
The moderate pain that you may experience while sitting may worsen with more movements. When moving from a seated position to a standing position or vice versa, the rotation of the pelvic bones and the muscles that assist in the movement may cause severe pain. This pain may cause you to grab something to support you, thereby providing better stability.
Standing for long periods may also make this pain worse. If you have an existing tailbone injury, wearing heels will cause more pain and strain on the coccyx region.
4. Pain While Defecating
You may experience pain while defecating because of the tailbone pain or an existing tailbone injury. You may experience some kind of strain while defecating due to the proximity of the coccyx to your rear end. The least you can do is prevent constipation. Eat more fiber-rich foods to avoid straining on the toilet bowl.
5. Pain During Sexual Intercourse
If you experience heightened pain during sexual intercourse, it may be a symptom of tailbone pain or coccydynia. If this occurs repeatedly, do not ignore it.
Apart from the symptoms mentioned, some people may also experience back pain, shooting leg pains (sciatica), and pain in the buttocks and hips. If not severe or caused by an injury, tailbone pain can be managed with home remedies like hot and cold packs and special coccyx cushions.
