Learning to ride a bicycle is something many children do, and quite a number continue cycling as a form of exercise and recreation for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately for some, though, cycling can lead to pain or discomfort in the tailbone. The reasons for these injuries, as well as the treatment for them, varies, depending on the severity and type.
Coccydynia
Coccydynia is a common type of tailbone pain, characterized by a deep ache in the tailbone region, sharp pain when switching between sitting and standing, and pain during bowel movements and sexual intercourse. Many times the source of coccydynia is unknown, but it can develop if you apply pressure on the tailbone for an extended period of time, such as you might do while cycling. The condition is often treated with anti-inflammatory medicine and physical therapy, but it can sometimes require surgery to remove the coccyx.
Pilonidal Cyst
A pilonidal cyst occurs near the top of the cleft of the buttocks, normally containing hair, debris from the skin, and other tissues. These cysts are often caused by friction and pressure, such as wearing tight clothes or cycling. They most commonly develop in young adult males, with symptoms including swelling, bleeding, pus and a fever, as well as pain and discomfort. Pilonidal cysts are often drained and cleaned in a doctor's office, though sometimes surgery is required.
Tailbone Bruise
An acute injury, such as a fall, can produce a bruise on your tailbone. Another cause of tailbone bruising is repetitive straining, such as when cycling. Rarely the coccyx fractures, but usually the discomfort is simply from bruising or ligament stretching. Ice and ibuprofen can help treat the tenderness, which can be anywhere from a dull ache to severe pain.
Considerations
There are a few things you can do to treat any type of tailbone pain brought on by cycling. The main thing you should do is find a bicycle seat that is comfortable to sit on and will not exacerbate your pain. Some cyclists with tailbone pain prefer a recumbent bicycle because the design of the seat often helps eliminate the pain a traditional bike seat can cause. You might also try using a doughnut-shaped pillow to alleviate pain when sitting on hard surfaces, as well as eating a high fiber diet to make sure bowel movements are not strenuous.
