is coccydynia serious

Common Causes

Related Conditions

Is coccydynia permanent?

Coccydynia is often reported following a fall or after childbirth. In some cases, persistent pressure from activities like bicycling may cause the onset of coccyx pain. Coccydynia due to these causes usually is not permanent, but it may become very persistent and chronic if not controlled.

When should I worry about coccyx pain?

See a GP if: tailbone (coccyx) pain has not improved after a few weeks of trying treatments at home. the pain is affecting your daily activities. you have a high temperature, tailbone pain and pain in another area, such as in your tummy or lower back.

How long will coccydynia last?

Tailbone pain, also called coccydynia or coccygodynia, usually goes away on its own within a few weeks or months.

Is coccydynia normal?

Coccydynia is a common condition that is often self-limited and mild. Although the vast majority of patients who seek medical attention respond to conservative treatments, some patients require more aggressive treatments. In these cases, the etiology of the coccydynia may be complex and multifactorial.

How do you live with coccydynia?

Treatments for coccydynia self-care measures, such as avoiding prolonged sitting, using a specially-designed coccyx cushion (doughnut cushions), applying hot or cold packs to your lower back and wearing loose clothing.

How long does a coccyx take to heal?

If you have a fracture, healing can take between 8 to 12 weeks. If your tailbone injury is a bruise, healing takes about 4 weeks.

Can coccydynia last for years?

Is Coccydynia Treatable? Acute coccydynia typically resolves within weeks or months. However, tailbone pain can become chronic (lasting longer than three months), if instability, soft tissue strain and inflammation aren't treated. Some people live with the pain for months or even years.

What are the symptoms of a damaged coccyx?

The symptoms of a broken tailbone include:an almost constant dull pain in the very low back, just above the buttocks.pain that worsens when sitting and when standing up from a sitting position.swelling around the tailbone.pain that intensifies during a bowel movement.pain that intensifies during sexual intercourse.More items...•

Is walking good for tailbone injury?

The coccyx, a small triangular bone at the bottom of the spinal column, can get bruised and even fractured. Sitting increases pain while walking relieves it.

What does a tailbone tumor feel like?

Tumors in the spine can cause pain in the area of the tumor (neck, back, or tailbone). A tumor pressing on nearby nerves can cause symptoms similar to a slipped or herniated disk. These symptoms may include pain, weakness, numbness, clumsiness, or tingling in the arms or legs.

What kind of doctor should I see for tailbone pain?

The vast majority of cases of tailbone pain can be managed by a primary-care physician, such as a family physician or internist. In the rare case of surgical intervention, a spine surgeon will be consulted.

Can you live without a tailbone?

Your tailbone, or coccyx to put it formally, is—admittedly—part of the spine that you wouldn't want to be missing. However, this structure of fused vertebrae at the base of the spine is actually what's left of human tails.