COCCYX PAIN SOLUTION – TAILBONE PAIN AND COCCYX PILES

Coccyx pain can be a debilitating experience. On a smaller scale, it can be mild discomfort, but at worst, it can be extremely painful, where everyday tasks are impossible. 

What is Coccyx pain? Is it the same as tailbone pain? And what are the remedies? 

Let's Explore! 

WHAT IS THE COCCYX?

The lowermost part of the spine is known as the coccyx or the ‘tailbone’ and is composed of 3 to 5 fused vertebrae. The name is suggestive considering the fact that the tailbone represents the vestigial remnants of what was once the tail.

Contrary to popular belief the coccyx is not an immovable piece; rather it does possess some limited movement due to the presence of fibrous joints between the vertebrae. A damaged coccyx can lead to tailbone pain which could be due to the limited movement between the vertebrae. Alternatively, it could even force the joint out of position due to some external forces or an injury.

CAUSES OF TAILBONE PAIN

One of the commonest causes of tailbone pain is arguably a damaged coccyx. Conversely, when the bones of the coccyx move beyond their acceptable range it invariably presents with severe episodes of tailbone pain which may require pain relieving medicines during the acute phase of this condition. To further elaborate, when an external force impacts the vestigial disc or damages the ligaments it results in severe tailbone pain.

One of the lesser known reasons for tailbone pain may not be due to a damaged coccyx; rather it is attributable to the presence of haemorrhoids. Statistics indicate that 80% of all adults in North America and Europe have experienced haemorrhoid pain at least once in a lifetime. Hence evidently the condition is far more common than one would believe.

HAEMORRHOIDS AND TAILBONE PAIN/COCCYX PAIN

Haemorrhoids are simply inflamed or swollen veins present in the anus or the rectal region. The inflammation can occur due to a variety of reasons ranging from pregnancy and old age to chronic diarrhoea and constipation. Haemorrhoids can cause tailbone pain and the scientific perspective is that as the haemorrhoids are located close to the tailbone when they are inflamed you would experience severe pain in the region of the coccyx.

TAILBONE PAIN FROM SITTING

Tailbone pain while sitting for a long time is fairly common and if you are experiencing such pain, it could be due to sitting on hard surfaces. If you have a history of sitting on a hard and narrow surface in the past then in all probability this is the cause of your tailbone pain. 

TAILBONE PAIN RELIEF

If you have been experiencing tailbone pain due to prolonged sitting then it is best controlled with correction of posture. When sitting it is advisable to maintain an upright position with the neck straight and the back slightly arched. When getting up from a chair bending slightly forwards by arching of the back can help alleviate tailbone pain symptoms. Alternatively, you could bend forwards slightly before getting up.

Technology comes to the rescue too considering the fact that ergonomic chairs help maintain proper posture and are now the preferred option for those seeking to alleviate their tailbone pain symptoms effectively. Ergonomic chairs are predominantly customized with a cut-out gap in the region where the tailbone would come to rest while sitting. The seat is made of a comfortable foam mattress material which is soft and takes on the contour of the person using the chair hence minimizing the pressure when sitting. There are also seat wedges with the coccyx cut-out, these rotate the hips and coccyx taking some of the weight off the problem area and also have the cut-out to remove the pressure point.

Alternatively, many people find the use of kneeling chairs to be an effective way of sitting pain-free with a damaged tailbone. The rotation of the hips and pelvis has a dual effect, firstly taking the weight off the problem area, as the user is now sitting down kneeling but also returning the spine to its neutral sitting position ensuring even pressure distribution throughout the spine, ensuring good posture.

Want To Know More About Coccyx Pain Relief? 

At KOS Ergonomics, we have a team of fully qualified, expertly trained Ergonomics Consultants. We are the leaders in end-to-end Ergonomic Solutions in Ireland, for the past 31 Years. 

Call Our Team Now or Arrange A Call-Back, To Discuss What We Can Do For You!

01 6110 200