Coccydynia Treatment in Marietta, GA
Customized Pain Management Strategies for Tailbone Pain
Coccydynia, or tailbone pain, originates in the bottom of the spine (the coccyx). The coccyx can become bruised or fractured as a result of sitting for extended periods or falling on the bone.
Coccydynia may feel like aching around the tailbone and may be accompanied by pain in the lower back and buttocks. It may also feel like a sharp pain in your lower vertebrae that is exacerbated when you put weight on it or shift positions.
Tailbone pain does not have to be a lifelong condition and can be treated with non-surgical options. If your tailbone pain does not go away or persists for more than two months despite at-home care remedies, it may be time to seek professional treatment.
Common Causes of Coccydynia
Coccydynia can be caused by internal or external trauma to the coccyx. Internal injury can include difficulties during childbirth, menstruation resulting in exacerbated pain or sitting for too long. External injuries like falls or impacts to the tailbone may also be the culprit.
Coccydynia pain may appear spontaneously as a result of another injury or illness. Infections, cancer and other local conditions can result in tailbone pain. Undergoing thorough examination and diagnostic testing is the best way to determine the root cause of chronic tailbone pain.
Symptoms of Coccydynia
If your symptoms do not abate after a few days, it may be best to see a doctor. Although tailbone pain is not typically a life-threatening condition, other more serious ailments may present as tailbone pain.
You should see a healthcare professional right away to prevent tailbone pain becoming chronic or to see if it’s connected to a more serious condition.
Coccydynia symptoms may include:
- Achiness in the tailbone area, or between the buttocks
- Increase pain when sitting for long periods
- Sharp pain in the lower spine
- Pain or tingling that extends into the legs
- Tenderness in the tailbone area
How is Coccydynia Diagnosed?
Coccydynia is diagnosed by an evaluation of your symptoms and assessment of the areas you feel pain.
X-ray and MRI technology may be used to look for broken bones or fractures that may be the root of your tailbone pain. Doctors will also take into consideration your medical history when determining which treatment options will be the best for you.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Coccydynia
Several non-surgical treatment options for tailbone pain management are available, and most begin with self-management.
Pain management techniques will generally be supplemented with adjustments to your daily routines to limit the amount of pressure or stimulation to which the lower spine is subjected.
Light exercises like walking can help reduce pain, and certain stretching exercises can be used treat muscle tension that may be exacerbating coccydynia. Non-steroid over-the-counter medications may also be recommended to reduce pain.
Other methods for non-surgical treatment include:
- Physical Therapy: There are many physical therapies available to treat tailbone pain. These include realignment and manual therapy to help release tension in the muscles surrounding the tailbone. Connect with the board-certified orthopaedist and pain management specialists at Non-Surgical Orthopaedics to see if physical therapy may be right for you.
- Injection: Local anesthetic injections can be used to numb pain around the coccyx. Some injections use a combination of an anesthetic and a steroid that will decrease inflammation to aid in pain management.
- TENS Unit: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators (TENS) can be used to administer gentle electric currents to the area causing pain. They will disrupt pain signals transmitted via nerves from the inflamed area to the brain. TENS Units may be prescribed by a physical therapist and is a good option for those who do not want to use pain medications.
Conservative treatments for injuries to the lower spine or other parts of your back can be very effective at reducing pain and improving your quality of life while managing injury symptoms.
Our team of doctors specializes in non-surgical treatment for coccydynia and will work with you to develop a path toward recovery.
Learn About Non-Surgical Pain Management for Coccydynia in Georgia
If you’re looking for a solution to tailbone pain in Marietta or Carrollton, we’re here to help. At Non-Surgical Orthopaedics, we specialize in conservative spinal pain management solutions that aid in recovery.
To schedule an appointment, call 770-421-1420 today.
