Long hours spent bicycling can result in coccydynia, or tailbone pain. Although coccydynia is not a serious medical condition, it can cause considerable discomfort and limit how much time you can comfortably spend on your bike. Rest and pain medication will help most people recover, although doctors may recommend surgery in severe cases.
Identification
The coccyx, or tailbone, is the area of bone at the very bottom part of your spinal column. Several small vertebrae form the coccyx, although movement between the vertebrae is limited. Sitting on a bicycle seat for long periods of time puts pressure on your tailbone and can lead to tailbone pain. While anyone can develop coccydynia, Dr. Richard Staehler, writing for the Spine-Health website, explains that women are more likely to develop a coccyx injury due to the rotated position of the female coccyx. Women also have broader pelvises than men, which causes increased pressure on the tailbone when sitting.
Symptoms
Pain may begin during or after a bike ride. You may notice that your tailbone feels painful and tender when you sit, particularly when you sit on hard surfaces. The tailbone may feel tender to the touch. The condition may be particularly painful when you move from a sitting to standing position. Walking or standing may relieve pressure on the tailbone and ease pain. A deep pain or ache in the tailbone may also occur when you have sex or a bowel movement.
Treatment
Rest is an important part of treating coccydynia. If you continue to ride despite the pain, your condition may worsen or become chronic. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication may help relieve pain and inflammation. Doctors recommend applications of ice for the first two or three days, followed by applications of heat. Keeping pressure off the coccyx until the area heals will help hasten your recovery. Avoid sitting when possible and use a pillow with a cut-away area when you must sit. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or injections of steroids and numbing medication to reduce pain. If your condition is severe and does not respond to other treatment methods, you may require surgery to remove all or part of the tailbone. Discuss your tailbone pain with your doctor for recommendations specific to your condition.
Prevention
Easing back into bicycle riding after recovering from coccydynia can help you reduce the chance of a recurrence. Gradually work your way up to longer rides, rather than indulging in a four-hour ride during your first day back on your bike. Choosing the right type of bicycle seat, or saddle, can also help you avoid a recurrence of the problem. Although choosing a saddle with a generous amount of padding may seem like a good idea, retailer Liberty Bicycles reports that this type of saddle may actually cause pain and numbness. During the course of a long ride, a thick pad begins to put pressure on your tailbone. Choosing a saddle that supports your weight and offers light padding is a more effective way to prevent pain.
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