Do you also have lower back pain? Let's talk about coccydynia!

Do you also feel a sharp pain in your lower back when you get up from a sitting position? Maybe after riding a bike, or after sitting in a chair for hours? This is a very annoying pain that makes it difficult to do everyday activities. In medicine, we call this problem that many people have Coccydynia. Let's look at it simply, so that you can understand it.

Simply put, what is Coccydynia?

Coccydynia is pain in the small bone at the bottom of your spine, the tailbone. We call this bone the 'coccyx'. But when we talk, we often call it the 'tailbone' . This is the end of our spine.

Just think, this little bone has a big job. It helps support our body weight and keep us stable when we sit. Also, many of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in our pelvic area are connected to this little bone. So if it hurts, it's not normal, it's really annoying.

This pain is about five times more common in women than in men, and it can be seen in both the elderly and the young.

How does this pain feel? What are the symptoms?

This pain can vary from person to person. Some people experience a dull ache, like a dull ache. Others may experience a sharp pain, like a stab. Let's take a look at the main symptoms.

In addition to these main symptoms, some people may experience other problems with this pain.

• Pain elsewhere in the back
• Pain that runs down the thigh (Sciatica)
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiety

Why does this pain occur? What are the causes?

There could be several reasons for this. Let's see what they are.

• Falls: This is the main cause. A direct blow to the buttock, such as a slip and fall in the bathroom or a fall down the stairs, can bruise, fracture, or dislocate this bone.
• Repetitive Strain: This condition can occur when you stay in the same position for a long time, especially in cyclists and boaters. They bend forward and backward constantly, which causes strain on the surrounding tissues.
• Pregnancy and childbirth: During the third trimester of pregnancy, the body produces hormones to make childbirth easier. These hormones cause the area between the coccyx and the sacrum above it to become soft and flexible. This is normal. However, sometimes during this process, the muscles and ligaments around it can become stretched and pulled, causing pain.
• Carrying extra weight: As we carry more weight, this small bone puts more pressure on it when we sit. This can cause it to lean back and cause pain.
• Not carrying enough weight: Don't be surprised, weight loss is also a factor. When fat in the buttocks area decreases, the cushioning that bone has is lost. Then the bone can rub directly against the muscles and ligaments, causing them to swell (inflammation).
• Sitting for long periods of time: People who sit for hours at a time, such as someone who works in an office, a child studying for an exam, or a driver, are more likely to experience this pain, especially if they sit in a hard chair.

Is it serious that pain occurs without an accident?

Don't be alarmed by this. This is a very rare condition . Sometimes, this pain can be caused by cancer in the coccyx or by cancer that has spread to the bones (metastatic cancer). But this is very rare.

If the pain is caused by a cancerous condition, other symptoms may also occur, such as:

• Numbness or loss of sensation in the arms, legs, or groin area.
• Difficulty defecating or urinating.
• The coccyx area feels like a lump that can be caught in the hand.

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately .

How does a doctor detect this?

When you see a doctor, he will first ask you about your medical history. He will ask you about any previous falls or difficult childbirths. Then he will examine the area to see if there is a fracture, a lump, or an infection (abscess).

After that, if necessary, we can recommend several tests like this.

• X-ray: To see if the bone is broken.
• CT scan (Computed Tomography): To see the condition of the bone more clearly.
• MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): To check for swelling, infection, or cancer.
• Bone scan: Check for other bone problems.

What can be done to treat this pain?

Treatment depends on the cause of the pain and its severity. In most cases, about 90% of cases, this pain can be controlled with simple things you can do at home.

Things you can do at home

• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): Ask your doctor for an appropriate painkiller.
• Use a special pillow: There are special pillows that you can use while sitting. We call these 'donut pillows' or 'wedge-shaped gel cushions'. Using these will not put pressure on that painful bone.
• Soaking in hot water: Soaking in a tub of hot water for a while can relax muscles and reduce pain.
• Hot or cold packs: Apply a hot water bottle or ice pack to the painful area for 20-30 minutes several times a day.
• Stool softeners: If you experience pain during bowel movements, you can take these on the advice of your doctor.

Medical treatment

If the pain does not subside with home remedies, your doctor may refer you to other treatments like this.

• Coccygeal nerve block: An injection containing a steroid and anesthetic given to the area to reduce pain and swelling.
• Massage therapy: This may provide temporary relief.
• Physical therapy: Exercises are given to stretch muscles and correct posture.
• Acupuncture:
• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy:

Surgery

This is done very rarely , only if no other treatment has worked. This involves surgically removing part or all of the coccyx. There is no guarantee that the pain will go away completely after this surgery. Therefore, this is considered a last resort.

Are there ways to prevent pain?

Since this pain is sometimes caused by accidents, it's hard to always prevent it. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk.

• Don't sit for hours at a time, especially on hard surfaces.
• Protect yourself from falls.
• Do not place unnecessary items on the floor and walkways of your home.
• Install handrails on stairs.
• Keep the stairs well lit.
• Avoid looking at your phone while walking.

When should I see a doctor?

Most of the time, this pain is not serious. But if you have these symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.

The best thing to do is to see a doctor, get an accurate diagnosis, and get the treatment that suits you best.

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