Tailbone pain from performing situps may result from exercising on a hard floor, and simply placing some kind of cushion underneath the tailbone might alleviate the pain. However, if this doesn't help and tailbone pain persists, then a medical condition may exist that warrants a trip to the doctor. Tailbone, or coccyx, injuries occur frequently without the individual realizing he has damaged that area of the body.
What Is the Coccyx?
The technical name for the tailbone is the coccyx, a small bone located at the bottom of the spine. In the great apes and humans, the coccyx is the remnant of the tail we possessed during our reptilian stage, but now serves to perform several functions. One is for support while sitting, especially when we lean backward and weight is transferred from the glutes to the tailbone. Certain muscles are attached to the tailbone as well, which are involved with pelvic-floor functions and proper anal positioning. Important ligaments stretching up to the spine are also connected to the coccyx.
Causes of Coccyx Pain during Situps
Situps often exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition, something that previously had not caused a person much discomfort. Coccydynia means literally "pain of the coccyx" and may result from bruising, fractures or dislocation. Other tailbone disorders include infection, tumors and cysts. The tailbone is rarely broken, even in hard falls, because it is actually a bone consisting of "leftover" tiny vertebrae. Tiny fractures or pulled ligaments are usually the consequences suffered when the coccyx experiences a severe accident. In addition, individuals feeling pain during situps may encounter numbness in extremities due to pinched tailbone nerves.
Treatment for Coccydynia
If placing a cushion or pillow under the tailbone does not alleviate pain, then you may need to visit a physician. She may examine your spinal column and perform a neurological and rectal examination as well. X-rays are usually taken to detect small fractures, if any, and rule out breaks in the lower spinal column. If no underlying reasons for tailbone pain during situps are found, treatment may consist of anti-inflammatory drugs administered at the site through injection; or, on rare occasions, surgical removal of the tailbone if the coccyx is congenitally malformed.
Strengthening Exercises
Performing exercises to strengthen the area around the coccyx may reduce pain during situps. Once such exercise begins with the person in a kneeling position, buttocks sitting on the heels and chest lowered to the floor. Rest your arms beside your body with your head on the floor. Your palms face up as you hold this position. Inhale while allowing your body weight to rest against your forehead for one minute. If coccyx pain is associated with spinal issues, perform this exercise with arms extended over your head, with palms facing down.
Member Comments