Why does my coccyx hurt?
Your coccyx (also known as the tailbone) hurts because something is causing pain and inflammation in that area. This can be due to trauma such as a fall, vaginal childbirth, or prolonged sitting on a hard surface. Sometimes the pain can be caused by a broken coccyx, or rarely a tumor. Coccygeal pain is something that I see as an orthopedic surgeon in Colorado Springs.
Is a broken coccyx serious?
A broken coccyx isn’t as serious as breaking many other bones in your body. In other areas of the spine such as the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral, there are many nerves that leave the spinal cord, and when there are fractures in these areas it can lead to nerve damage. Fortunately, this isn’t the case with the coccyx. The most common issue with a broken coccyx is the pain that it can cause. A broken coccyx also doesn’t require surgery to fix it, as it usually heals on its own. Rarely, a fracture can be caused by a tumor which is a much more serious condition.
Why does my tailbone hurt even though I didn’t fall?
Activities such as prolonged sitting on a hard surface, or vaginal childbirth can also cause tailbone pain. Rarely, a tumor of the tailbone can also cause pain in that area. Most of the time, tailbone pain goes away on its own without medical intervention.
What is the fastest way to heal a sore tailbone?
Tailbone pain can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to completely go away. There are a few things you can do to help with the pain while it is healing. One is to lean forward while sitting down, or to sit on a gel donut if you have to sit for a while. You can also try icing and anti-inflammatories to help as well. Many have pain during defecation, so taking stool softeners can help with the pain during defecation. Physical therapy for pelvic floor exercises can also help. Rarely, some will get their tailbone manipulated which is done rectally, or have a lidocaine injection to the area. If all else fails there is a rare surgery to remove the tailbone altogether. If your tailbone pain won’t seem to go away, then it is worth seeing your doctor who may order a MRI to determine if you broke your tailbone or if there is a tumor.
I hope I was able to answer some of your questions about why your coccyx hurts. If you would like me to treat your tailbone pain, contact us below to make an appointment if you are in the Colorado Springs area. I also am available for virtual consults.
