Coccyx pain, also called coccydynia, is caused by an injury or strain to the tailbone or the area surrounding it. The most common source of the pain is trauma or childbirth, although a cyst or tumor on the spine may also cause pain, according to the University of Southern California Hospital. (Ref. 1) Symptoms include pain while sitting or moving to a standing position, local tenderness, pain during intercourse or bowel movements, backache or pelvic muscle spasms (Ref. 1) Non-surgical treatment is usually effective after several weeks or months, reports the Cleveland Clinic, but surgery is sometimes necessary. (Ref. 2)
Step 1
Place an ice pack on the affected area several times a day for the first few days. Switch to a heating pad, hot water bottle or hot packs thereafter.
Step 2
Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve the inflammation and pain.
Step 3
Sit on a pillow or cushion that relieves pressure on the coccyx. An inflatable donut-shaped cushion or a foam pillow in a U-shape or V-shape may be helpful, reports Dr. Richard Staehler in the Jan. 29, 2010, issue of "Spine-Health." (Ref. 3)
Step 4
Stand whenever possible. If you must sit, change positions often to relieve pressure on the coccyx. Experiment with different types of chairs to find the most comfortable model.
Step 5
Eat a high fiber diet, drink plenty of water and take stool softeners to relieve or prevent constipation, recommends Dr. Staehler. (Ref. 3) Straining during bowel movements can increase the pain in the coccyx.
Step 6
Walk every day or try other low-impact aerobic activities to stimulate blood flow and healing. Check with your health care provider if you have questions about exercise.
Step 7
Soak in a sitz bath that covers the hips and buttocks, according to the University of Southern California Hospital. (Ref 1)
Step 8
Talk to your health care provider about other options for pain relief, recommends Dr. Staehler. (Ref. 3) Physical therapy, ultrasound treatments, massage, chiropractic manipulation or injections of lidocaine and steroids may be helpful.
Step 9
Sleep on your stomach, if possible, or add a foam mattress topper to your bed if your pain is persistent.
Things You'll Need
- Rubber ring or cushion
- Over-the-counter medications
- Ice pack
- Heating pad, hot water bottle or hot pack
