Coccyx pain, also called coccydynia, is discomfort in the tailbone area at the base of your spine. Coccyx pain can stem from a fracture of the bony components that create the tailbone, or an inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the coccyx. Coccydynia can occur from trauma such as falling and landing hard on your buttocks, but it can also be a form of sports injury. Rowing is one sport in which coccyx pain is common.
Causes
Strain from repetitive motion and pressure on the tailbone and the surrounding ligaments and tendons can cause coccyx pain. Coccydynia in rowers stems from the pressure put on the body while simultaneously sitting and rowing. Even if you are rowing correctly and keeping your backside firmly planted on your seat, you can strain the muscles and tissues as you slide back and forth with each sweep. The sheer act of sitting for many hours can lead to inflammation and may cause tenderness in the tailbone area.
Symptoms
You may not experience symptoms while rowing, but instead feel sharp pain and tenderness at the bottom of your spine and between your buttocks when getting out of the boat. Most people who suffer from coccyx pain experience more discomfort while sitting on a soft surface than a firm seat; a hard rower's bench can mask or muffle the pain in this case. Coccydynia may seem to recede in between workouts but can become exacerbated after each rowing session.
Treatment
Treatment for coccyx pain, no matter what the cause, is primarily healing time. Rowers and boaters may need to stay off the water for several days if coccydynia does not improve with pain medication, rest and icing the tender spots. Physical therapy may be required to manually manipulate tight muscles that contribute to the problem. Steroid injections may also manage pain and reduce inflammation.
Prevention
Equipping your boat with special seating may help prevent and treat coccyx pain that is associated with rowing. Cushions that are designed with a cutout section, similar to a donut pillow women use after childbirth, can provide some relief. Position your tailbone over the hole in the cushion to avoid re-injuring yourself.
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