Coccyx (tail bone) is the bony area present in the buttocks and any inflammation on this area is known as coccydynia. There would be swelling and tenderness in the tailbone causing pain in the buttocks area. The affected person will have increased pain while sitting rather than standing or walking.
Causes :
Tailbone pain is caused by infection, injury or a fracture. Sometimes even a small injury or trauma can cause coccydynia (pain and inflammation in the tailbone). It can also be caused by pilonidal cyst formation or sciatica. Even a fall can radiate injury on the tailone damaging the ligaments attached to the sacrum.
For some women, tailbone pain is caused during delivery when the head of the baby pushes its way through the vagina creating pressure on the coccyx causing injury and pain.
Symptoms :
The area of coccyx (tailbone) becomes tender and inflamed. For some there may be severe problems in sitting. Acute pain can be managed with lifestyle modifications and oral medicines. But chronic form of tailbone pain is difficult to treat.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor will look out for the symptoms of pain in the tailbone area. If needed, he may do a CT scan or MRI scan on the affected area for diagnosing the illness rightly.
Treatment :
Most of the tailbone pain will get settled after few weeks but for some people, there may be chronic pain on this region. Since the region is not flexible for making a casting or bracing it takes time for complete healing. Unlike other areas of the bone where the site can be made immobile by wearing a splint or casting, in coccyx area this cannot be made. The area is continuously under movement and this also would delay in curing the inflammation, making the tailbone pain chronic or longstanding.
Persons who suffer from severe coccydynia should wear padding while sitting and should avoid sitting in the same posture for long time. Number of oral medications is available for giving temporary relief from pain and inflammation. You can take anti-inflammatory drugs available over the counter before visiting your doctor.