Treating and Preventing Tailbone Pain
Whether you’re experiencing chronic tailbone pain or have been referred to your doctor, there are many treatments available. Some of the more common ones include physical therapy, surgery, and over-the-counter medications. While it’s important to seek treatment for chronic pain, there are also things you can do to help prevent it.
Treatment options
Several treatment options are available to relieve pain from tailbone injuries. Some treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy. However, in more severe cases, surgery may be needed.
X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are two diagnostic tests that can help your doctor determine if you have a bone fracture, dislocation, or other problem. Your doctor may also recommend medications, exercises, or surgery.
For some people, prolonged sitting on a hard surface can lead to tailbone injuries. A special seat cushion can be used to reduce pressure on the coccyx. Other methods of reducing pain and inflammation include using heat and cold therapy. These can be applied every few hours for up to fifteen minutes.
Some patients have had relief from tailbone pain by using a TENS unit. These devices can be purchased online or at local drug stores. They use electrodes near the coccyx region to generate electrical pulses, which disrupt the pain signal from the coccyx to the brain.
Cortisone injections are another treatment option. A numbing agent is administered to the affected area, which reduces swelling and inflammation. This method can also help to control chronic pain.
X-rays can also reveal problems with the coccyx. An x-ray can show a possible dislocation, a fracture, or alignment problems. If you are experiencing persistent pain, your healthcare provider can prescribe stronger pain medication. If you are suffering from pain that is too intense, your doctor can perform a coccygectomy. During a coccygectomy, part or all of the coccyx is removed. It is usually done when other treatments do not work.
Tailbone pain is very common. It can be caused by a variety of things, including sports, childbirth, and degenerative joint changes. Fortunately, most of these causes can be treated with conservative measures. During a physical examination, your doctor can feel around your coccyx to find any growths or other problems.
In some cases, a physical therapist can teach pelvic floor relaxation techniques. You can also learn exercises that will strengthen the muscles in the coccyx and promote healing. You can also take fiber supplements and eat foods that are high in fiber, such as apples, beans, and whole grains. These foods will help soften your stools.
Prevention
Several reasons can lead to tailbone pain, including degenerative joint changes, repetitive strain, and injury. It can be painful, especially when pressure is applied, and it can affect your daily activities. However, it is often treatable at home. There are a number of self-care strategies you can use to help relieve the pain and prevent further damage.
It’s important to avoid sitting for extended periods on a hard surface. Sitting too much can put excessive pressure on the coccyx. This can cause a fracture or dislocation. It is also important to take breaks from sitting. If you do sit for long periods, make sure to lean forward to avoid any extra pressure on the coccyx.
You may also experience pain if you have an infection. You may need antibiotics or a surgical drain to clear up the infection. If you have a fever, you should see a healthcare provider.
You may be able to relieve tailbone pain by applying heat or ice to the affected area. You can apply these treatments four times a day. If you’re feeling severe pain, you can take stronger pain medications. Naproxen is available over the counter, but you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication.
You can also try physical therapy. A physiotherapist can provide exercises to help you strengthen the muscles of the coccyx. They can also show you ways to relax your pelvic floor.
You can also buy a specialized cushion for your coccyx. This cushion will help alleviate the pressure on your tailbone while you’re sitting. This cushion is called a coccydynia pillow.
You can also use a doughnut-shaped cushion to isolate your tailbone. This cushion can also help relieve pain. Gel donuts can be purchased at drugstores.
You can also use a hot water bottle or a microwaveable heating pad. These hot and cold treatments are safe if used correctly. They can reduce inflammation in the affected area and speed up healing.
A doctor can also prescribe medications for tailbone pain. You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain. You should avoid taking these drugs if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
Chronic coccydynia
Symptoms of chronic coccydynia include pain in the area of the tailbone between the buttocks. It can occur suddenly and be very painful. When it begins to affect your life, there are several treatments to help. Some people find relief at home with simple techniques, while others seek medical treatment.
Some patients find temporary relief by using sitz baths or electrical stimulation devices. Other patients may need to take anti-inflammatory medications. If the pain is severe, a nerve block can be administered.
A physical therapist can work with the patient to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the coccyx. They can also teach pelvic floor relaxation techniques.
If coccydynia has been a recurring problem, surgery may be necessary to treat the condition. However, surgery usually does not cure coccydynia. It is only recommended when other treatments have failed.
In many cases, coccydynia is caused by an external injury, such as a fall. It can also be a result of internal trauma. It can also be a symptom of osteomyelitis or sacroiliitis. If the cause is not clear, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be performed. These tests can detect tumors, fractures, and degenerative changes.
In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone shots can be used to reduce the pain. These treatments can be a short-term solution, but they can also limit the healing process.
The coccyx is a small triangular bone that sits under the sacrum. It is attached to the sacrum with strong ligaments. It is the last bone in the spine. It helps to bear the weight when you sit. When you sit on a hard surface or place too much weight on the tailbone, it can become inflamed.
Coccydynia can be a very painful condition, but most cases will go away after a few weeks. In some cases, patients may experience pain when they stand or change positions.
Often, a coccygeal cushion can be purchased to reduce the pain during bowel movements. Stool softeners can also help. Some people report that hot and cold packs can also help with the pain. If the pain is severe, a local anesthetic injection into the coccyx can be administered.
Referred pain to the tailbone
Depending on the source of the pain, referred pain to the tailbone can be difficult to treat. It is important to make sure that you get the right diagnosis before undergoing any treatment. It is also important to know that most of the time, the pain will go away on its own in a few weeks.
During a physical examination, the doctor will feel for any growths around the coccyx. They may also look for changes in the ligaments. A CAT scan or MRI can be used to detect a fracture. In severe cases, a steroid injection or nerve block can be given to reduce the pain.
Inflammation and pressure on the tailbone can be relieved by using a heating pad or ice pack. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen can also help. Light exercise can also help.
If you have been experiencing referred pain to the tailbone for some time, you should visit your doctor. He or she can rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the pain.
If you experience referred pain to the tailbone that is not responding to any other treatment, your doctor might recommend cortisone injections. The injection will alleviate the chronic pain and allow your tailbone to heal.
You can find special cushions on the market that will reduce the pressure on the tailbone. Some people also use wedge-shaped pillows. It is important to avoid sitting on hard surfaces while trying to relieve the pain.
A physical therapist can teach you pelvic floor relaxation techniques, including deep breathing. He or she can show you exercises to strengthen the muscles in the area.
In some cases, a coccygectomy (surgical removal of the coccyx) is necessary. This procedure is not recommended for routine cases. The surgery is only performed when other treatments are ineffective.
When referred pain to the tailbone is caused by muscular injuries, you can find relief by correcting the posture. It is also helpful to massage the area. Having soft stools can help as well.
For more serious cases of coccydynia, a doctor may suggest a nerve block, a numbing injection, or a stronger pain medication. A coccygectomy should be done only when other treatments fail.
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