Coccyx Pain

Aka Tailbone Pain. The coccyx is the last (set of 3 actually, usually fused) bones in the spinal column. Injuries typically occur after a fall (landing on bottom), childbirth, chronic straining (constipation), blunt trauma, infection, or overuse injuries – like sitting for a long car ride, riding a horse, driving a truck, riding a bike.

Most coccyx injuries do not result in lifelong issues, and only a small percentage result in surgical removal or surgery to fixate the coccyx bone. Which, please if you’re reading this and ARE having a coccygectomy, please ask your surgeon for a referral to Pelvic PT or make sure you are actively seeing a pelvic health physical therapist during and/or after surgery to help with the tissues nearby.

Speaking of tissues nearby, there are so many! Nerves, ligaments, tendons, muscles, other bones, organs, everything lives down there. When you bump your butt or sustain an injury to your behind, treatment from your urgent care or primary care physician should take care of that initial pain with rest and possible anti-inflammatory medications. Reasons why most people seek out Pelvic Health Physical Therapy are often the longer lasting, nagging pain issues. If and when we damage a major bony landmark (any of our bones) the soft tissue nearby after bruising gets forgotten. Unfortunately for us, our bodies DO remember that injury and want to help us by contracting, or going numb, or fighting – which is a great thing – thanks body! – BUT when we’re ready to heal, we need our body to stop fighting or overprotecting us and get ready to actually help us.

Heads up! Or I should say, Bottoms Up! Coccyx rehab will start, like every evaluation, with a full history, external exam including core, hips, posture, gait – then, if indicated, internal assessment either vaginally (if you have a vagina) and/or rectally to assess the coccyx bone, nearby muscles, nerves, and soft tissue. At Frankly Pelvic our goal is to give you exercises, stretches, and make sure your home instruction for use in possible tools and aids to continue your own progress at home helps you heal faster.

Take the next step toward pelvic health and comfort!

If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, incontinence, or other pelvic floor concerns, I’m here to help. Schedule a free discovery call with me today to discuss your symptoms, answer your questions, and see how pelvic physical therapy can support your recovery and improve your quality of life.

Click here to book your discovery call now — your journey to healing starts here!