Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Coccydynia: A Common and Underdiagnosed Condition
Coccydynia is pain in and around the coccyx (tailbone) -- the small, vestigial triangular bone at the very base of the spine. It causes significant pain with sitting, particularly on hard surfaces, moving from sitting to standing, and sometimes with bowel movements. While rarely serious, it significantly impacts quality of life -- particularly for Faridabad's desk workers. Women are 5 times more commonly affected than men.
Causes
Trauma (most common): fall on the buttocks (on hard floors, from a bike), or childbirth injury (particularly large babies, forceps delivery, prolonged second stage). Repetitive microtrauma: cycling, rowing. Idiopathic (no identifiable cause): the majority of coccydynia has no clear trauma history.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Coccydynia
External and Internal Manual Therapy
Gentle external mobilisation of the coccyx and manipulation of the surrounding tissues (sacrococcygeal ligaments, piriformis) can provide significant pain relief. For cases not responding to external treatment, internal mobilisation (rectal approach) by a specially trained physiotherapist is highly effective.
Postural Correction
Coccydynia is aggravated by posterior pelvic tilt in sitting. Teaching patients to sit with a slight anterior tilt (weight through the ischial tuberosities rather than the coccyx) provides immediate relief. A coccyx cushion (doughnut or wedge-shaped with coccyx cut-out) allows comfortable sitting.
Pelvic Floor Relaxation
Overactive pelvic floor muscles aggravate coccydynia. Pelvic floor down-training relaxation techniques can significantly reduce symptoms.
Coccyx Pain Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we treat coccydynia effectively. Book your assessment today.