Tailbone pain can be excruciatingly painful. Pain in the coccyx region can make sitting, lying down, and even standing extremely uncomfortable. Not many people realize just how big of an impact such a small area of bone can have on your everyday life. If you’ve ever experienced tailbone pain for yourself then you know just how awful it can be.
At A Family Chiropractic Clinic we help people who are suffering from all kinds of spine related pain. Many patients have come to us seeking relief from horrendous tailbone pain. Our expert staff has been able to help these patients find relief without expensive medications or invasive surgery. We focus on a natural approach to helping your body correct and heal itself.
What Causes Tailbone Pain?
The tailbone, also called the coccyx, is located at the bottom of your spinal column. Pain in your tailbone can make everyday movements extremely painful. Resting in your favorite chair or getting into bed can also be very painful and uncomfortable. There are a few different ways that you may injure your tailbone or experience pain:
- Fall accident
- Prolonged sitting
- Referred pain
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
Falling is by far the most common cause of pain in the tailbone region, especially on ice. Most of the time, a fall will result in a sharp pain in the tailbone that decreases in tenderness over time. However, there are some cases that result in a direct injury to the tailbone region, including a coccyx fracture, that is unable to heal itself as quickly.
Sitting for long periods of time also can lead to tailbone pain. This is especially true if you sit for extended period on unpadded furniture. The pain can also be an indication that there may be a problem with the sacroiliac joints or pelvis. This referred pain may be caused by something else but felt in the tailbone area.
Women tend to be more prone to tailbone pain than men. This is in part due to the potential for pain due to pregnancy and childbirth. Some women experience intense tailbone pain throughout the last half of their pregnancy. Others may not experience pain in their tailbone until after they give birth to their child. In pregnancy cases, pain management can be particularly challenging due to limited medication options.
Regardless of the cause of the tailbone pain, many people find relief at the hands of an experienced chiropractor.
Signs and Symptoms of Coccyx Injuries
Signs of a tailbone injury include tenderness, bruising, and discomfort when sitting. You might also feel pain or pressure during activities like standing up, bending, or sitting for long periods. Some individuals also experience difficulties trying to sleep. The pain can range from mild to severe and may worsen with certain physical activity.
Other symptoms of a tailbone injury can include difficulty sitting comfortably, pain during bowel movements, and lower back pain. You may also notice swelling or stiffness in your tailbone region. It’s important to consult a health care provider if you suspect a tailbone injury, as proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment are crucial for a full recovery. In the meantime, avoiding activities that aggravate the pain and using doughnut cushions or pillows for support while seated can help with pain management.
Chiropractic Treatment for Tailbone Pain
Pain in the tailbone is commonly a result of the muscles around the coccyx becoming inflamed and stiff. When this happens the tailbone can get pulled out of alignment. The misalignment of the lower back and coccyx often results in compressed nerves and irritation, limiting range of motion and quality of life.
Many people turn to chiropractors to restore coccyx alignment and relieve their tailbone pain. Chiropractic care focuses on the health and proper alignment of the spine. This ideology also extends to the coccyx. Meeting with a chiropractor can help with pain management and get you on the road to recover and relief.
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Chiropractic Options for Tailbone Pain
Meeting with a chiropractor while seeking treatment for tailbone pain is like any other health appointment. At A Family Chiropractic Clinic, our chiropractor and staff will walk you through the steps to reach a diagnosis and start your treatment plan. These steps include:
- Filling out paperwork
- Providing a detailed health and medical history
- Discussing injuries and symptoms with the chiropractor
- A physical examination
- Any required diagnostic tests (X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, CT scan, etc)
- Reviewing the test results
- Discussing diagnosis and prognosis
- Creating and starting a pain management and treatment plan
It’s important that you disclose any previous injuries that may have contributed to the pain you are experiencing. This can help them determine the cause of your tailbone pain. The physical exam and any needed medical test will also provide better insight into your condition and the root cause of your pain.
Tailbone Adjustment Treatment Plans
Your treatment plan will be customized for your specific diagnosis. Chiropractic treatment plans do not typically involve potentially addictive medication or surgery. Instead, they focus on a plan that restores the ideal alignment of your spine while allowing your body to heal. This typically will include chiropractic adjustments. However, in some cases we may also recommend secondary therapies to be used along with chiropractic care. Our office also features these complimentary therapies:
- Heat therapy
- Cold therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
- Physical therapy
Our expert staff will also provide you with suggestions for exercises, stretches, and other recommended physical activity that you can do to help ease pain and discomfort. The health of your spine is reflected in the health of your body. Our ultimate goal is to restore comfort to your life by ensuring your spine is in the best possible health.
Chiropractic care is shown to effectively treat tailbone pain for many patients. It is a safe and efficient method of treatment. It is noninvasive and doesn’t have the risks that are associated with surgery and medication. By allowing a chiropractor to treat the source of the problem you are helping your body heal naturally. This method of treatment also helps reduce the chance of recurrence.
