Coccygodynia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Overview

Coccygodynia (pronounced kok-si-goh-DIN-ee-uh) is persistent pain in the tailbone (coccyx) region that can significantly impact your quality of life. This condition affects approximately 1 in 100 adults and is five times more common in women than men, though it can affect people of all genders and ages. The pain often develops after trauma or injury but can also occur gradually without a clear cause.

The coccyx, though small, plays a vital role in your body's function. It serves as an attachment point for important pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, making it crucial for activities like sitting, standing, and maintaining proper posture. When pain develops in this region, it can create a ripple effect throughout the entire pelvic area.

Signs and Symptoms of Coccygodynia

Recognizing the symptoms of coccygodynia is the first step toward finding relief.

Common experiences include pain that typically:

• Intensifies when sitting for extended periods, especially on hard surfaces
• Becomes sharp or shooting when moving from sitting to standing
• Worsens during activities like bending, lifting, or sexual intimacy
• May radiate into the lower back or pelvic floor region
• Tenderness or aching that increases throughout the day
• Difficulty finding comfortable sleeping positions
• Pain or discomfort during bowel movements
• Muscle tension in the surrounding pelvic and hip areas

What Causes Coccygodynia?

Understanding the root cause of your tailbone pain is essential for effective treatment. Common causes include:

Trauma and Injury
‍The most frequent causes of acute coccygodynia include:

• Direct falls onto the tailbone
• Childbirth-related trauma
• Sports injuries
• Motor vehicle accidents

Chronic Factors
‍Long-term development of coccygodynia may result from:

• Poor posture and ergonomics during prolonged sitting
• Repetitive stress from cycling or rowing
• Obesity or significant weight changes
• Age-related degenerative changes

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Helps

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we offer specialized treatment approaches designed to address both the primary pain and any secondary complications. Our comprehensive treatment plan typically includes:

Manual Therapy Techniques

• Gentle external and internal manipulation of the coccyx region
• Soft tissue mobilization to release tight muscles
• Joint mobilization to improve coccyx mobility
• Trigger point release for pain relief

Movement and Exercise Therapy

• Customized stretching programs for tight muscles
• Core strengthening exercises
• Postural training and awareness
• Functional movement pattern correction

Education and Self-Management

• Ergonomic advice for sitting and daily activities
• Pain management strategies
• Activity modification techniques
• Home exercise program instruction

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes coccygodynia different from general tailbone pain?
Coccygodynia specifically refers to chronic pain in the tailbone region lasting more than three months, while general tailbone pain may be acute and temporary. Understanding this distinction helps guide appropriate treatment approaches and expectations.

Can coccygodynia come back after successful treatment?
‍Without proper management strategies, symptoms can recur. We focus on teaching you long-term management techniques to help prevent future episodes.

How soon after developing coccygodynia should I seek treatment?
Early intervention is ideal, but it's never too late to begin treatment. Starting physical therapy sooner can help prevent the development of compensatory patterns and chronic pain cycles.

Will I need special equipment or modifications at home or work for coccygodynia?
‍Many patients benefit from simple modifications like specialized cushions or ergonomic chairs. Your physical therapist will assess your needs and make specific recommendations.