Coccydynia

Coccydynia

Coccydynia is persistent, severe pain in the coccyx. The coccyx is the lowest area of the spine that is commonly referred to as the tailbone. The condition is usually caused by an injury to the tailbone, such as in a fall or from childbirth. Pain may last for many months or years following the injury.

Coccydynia causes discomfort when sitting, as well as when lying flat because of the pressure these positions place on the tailbone. Leg pain is rare with coccydynia, and is more commonly a symptom of a herniated disc.

The treatment plan for coccydynia depends upon many factors, such as the severity of the dysfunction and pain, the type and location of the pain, as well as patient’s age, ongoing medical conditions, and ability to tolerate other medical therapies. The doctor will take all of these factors into consideration when prescribing a treatment plan.

In general, the standard course of therapy for pain associated with coccydynia will follow the chronic pain treatment continuum, and may include medications, exercise therapy and physical therapy. In cases of severe pain, surgical intervention or neurostimulation may be considered.