Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Sacrococcygeal Spine Pain
1746878015
Sacrococcygeal spine pain, often known as tailbone pain or coccydynia, refers to discomfort in the lower part of the spine where the sacrum and coccyx (tailbone) are located. This area is essential for connecting the spine to the pelvis and helping support your body when sitting. When you experience pain here, it can feel quite intense, especially when sitting or moving from sitting to standing.
Several factors can cause this pain. It might start after a fall or injury, repetitive strain from sitting on hard surfaces, or during childbirth. Sometimes, it can also result from being overweight or having degenerative changes in the spine as we age. The ligament, tendons or bone may be the source of pain generation.
To treat sacrococcygeal pain, initially, doctors often recommend simple treatments like over the counter pain relievers, physical therapy, and using special cushions to take pressure off the tailbone. If these don't work, more advanced interventions like injections using steroids or regenerative therapies like platelet rich plasma. In rare cases, ganglion impar block or surgery might be considered.
Most people recover with conservative treatment, but it's important to follow up with the healthcare team. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding prolonged sitting can help manage this condition.
FAQs
Can sacrococcygeal spine pain be prevented?
To help prevent sacrococcygeal spine pain, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding prolonged sitting on hard surfaces is beneficial. Additionally, ergonomic adjustments in daily activities can reduce the risk of strain on the tailbone area.
How is sacrococcygeal spine pain diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive physical examination and might require imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to assess any structural issues in the sacrum or coccyx. Medical history and symptom evaluation help in differentiating it from other conditions.
What are the common symptoms of sacrococcygeal spine pain?
Common symptoms include intense pain in the lower spine area, especially when sitting or moving from sitting to standing. Individuals might also experience discomfort during activities like cycling or weight-bearing exercises.
What causes sacrococcygeal spine pain?
Sacrococcygeal spine pain, or tailbone pain, can result from various factors including trauma from a fall or injury, repetitive strain from prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, childbirth, obesity, and degenerative changes in the spine due to aging.
What treatment options are available for sacrococcygeal spine pain?
Initial treatment typically includes over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, and the use of specially designed cushions to alleviate pressure on the tailbone. In more persistent cases, doctors may recommend steroid injections or regenerative therapies. Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments fail.