Posted on February 12th, 2024

Suffering from tailbone pain, commonly known as coccyx pain, can significantly impact your daily life. 

In this blog post, we'll unveil how to relieve tailbone pain through physical therapy. 

We'll explore its causes, symptoms, and practical therapeutic solutions to help you regain control and enhance your well-being.

Read on!

Understanding Tailbone Pain

Tailbone pain, also referred to as coccydynia, is characterized by discomfort or tenderness in the area surrounding the coccyx, the small bone located at the bottom of the spine. This pain can range from mild to severe and may be exacerbated by sitting, standing, or moving certain ways. Understanding the underlying causes of tailbone pain is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Common Causes of Coccyx Pain

Understanding the underlying factors that contribute to coccyx pain is essential for effective management and treatment. These are some of the common causes of this discomfort and gain insight into potential triggers for tailbone pain:

• Trauma or Injury: A fall directly onto the tailbone, such as during sports activities or accidents, can cause bruising, fractures, or dislocation of the coccyx.
• Childbirth: Pressure exerted on the coccyx during labor and delivery can lead to trauma or injury, resulting in tailbone pain.
• Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for extended periods, especially on hard surfaces or in poor posture, can put pressure on the coccyx and surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort.
• Degenerative Conditions: Conditions such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease can affect the joints and structures around the coccyx, causing inflammation and pain.
• Infections or Tumors: In rare cases, infections or tumors in the tailbone area can cause localized pain and discomfort.

Understanding the specific cause of your tailbone pain is essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan and achieving long-term relief. If you're experiencing persistent or severe tailbone pain, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance.

Identifying the Symptoms

Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, can manifest in various ways, impacting your daily activities and quality of life. Recognizing the symptoms associated with coccyx pain is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here's what to look out for:

1. Localized Tenderness

One of the primary symptoms of tailbone pain is localized tenderness in the area surrounding the coccyx. You may experience discomfort or pain when touching or applying pressure to the tailbone region.

2. Pain with Sitting

Coccyx pain often worsens when sitting for prolonged periods, especially on hard surfaces. You may notice increased discomfort or sharp pain when sitting down or transitioning from a seated to a standing position.

3. Discomfort during Bowel Movements

Individuals with tailbone pain may experience increased discomfort or pain during bowel movements, particularly when straining or applying pressure to the pelvic area.

4. Radiating Pain

In some cases, tailbone pain may radiate beyond the coccyx region, extending to the lower back or down the legs. This radiating pain can affect mobility and overall function.

5. Increased Pain with Activity

Engaging in certain activities, such as bending, lifting, or physical exertion, may exacerbate tailbone pain. You may notice heightened discomfort or soreness during movement or exercise.

The good news is physical therapy interventions can help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Let's explore effective therapeutic approaches for managing coccyx pain.

Therapeutic Solutions to Relieve Tailbone Pain

Tailbone pain can significantly impact your daily life, making simple tasks like sitting or moving uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are various therapeutic solutions available to help alleviate your discomfort and improve your quality of life. From targeted exercises to manual therapy techniques, let's explore a range of effective interventions aimed at relieving tailbone pain and restoring your mobility and comfort.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a manual therapy technique that targets the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. By applying gentle pressure and stretching techniques, myofascial release can help alleviate tension and tightness in the muscles surrounding the tailbone, providing relief from pain and discomfort.

Joint Mobilization

Joint mobilization involves the gentle manipulation of the joints surrounding the tailbone to improve mobility and reduce pain. By carefully applying controlled movements and pressure to the affected joints, joint mobilization can help restore proper alignment and function, reducing inflammation and discomfort.

Other Therapeutic Approaches

In addition to myofascial release and joint mobilization, other therapeutic approaches such as physical therapy exercises, biofeedback training, and breathing techniques can also be beneficial in relieving tailbone pain. These approaches focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the tailbone, improving posture and alignment, and reducing stress and tension in the affected area.

Related: Neuromuscular Re-Education to Restore Natural Movement 

Conclusion

Tailbone pain, or coccydynia, can be a debilitating condition that affects your daily life and mobility. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and therapeutic solutions available, you can take proactive steps towards finding relief and improving your overall well-being. 

At Lotus Physical Therapy for Women, PLLC, we specialize in providing personalized care and effective treatments for women experiencing tailbone pain. Our experienced therapists offer a range of therapeutic interventions, including myofascial release and joint mobilization, to help you alleviate discomfort and regain function. 

Don't let tailbone pain hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Contact us at (845) 517-5100 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards relief today.