Coccydynia

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Coccydynia


What is Coccydynia?

Coccydynia is inflammation of the tip of the tailbone, called the coccyx. It causes pain over the tailbone.

What are the causes?

Prolonged sitting, childbirth, and direct trauma to the tailbone can elicit coccydynia. Occasionally, it can develop spontaneously without a cause.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include pain and sensitivity over the tailbone. The pain may radiate into the buttocks, and legs. The pain can be worse with prolonged sitting, bowel movements, and sexual intercourse.

What treatments are available?

Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, and physical therapy specific to the tailbone. Coccyx injections and caudal epidural steroid injections may be helpful as well. Most people may get prolonged relief from these treatments. In rare cases, surgery may be done to shorten the coccyx.