Lower back pain? Let's learn more about the coccyx!

Have you ever slipped and hit your butt? You probably remember the sharp pain that comes from the bottom of your back, or rather, between your buttocks. Most of the time, this pain is caused by damage to a small bone at the end of your spine. That's what we're going to talk about today. This bone is what we medically call the coccyx.

What exactly is the Coccyx?

Simply put, the coccyx is the lowest, last bone in your spine. It's a very small, slightly curved bone. Normally, we don't pay much attention to it, but it's when we slip and fall that we realize its significance. Although we don't think about it in our daily lives, this small bone does a great job of supporting your body and connecting important muscles and ligaments. It's also called the 'tailbone' in English.

There's a reason it's called a 'tailbone'. This is the remnant of a tail that we once had. Even though humans lost their tails long ago, this bone is still in our bodies as a small remnant of that evolution. Strictly speaking, it's an evolutionary leftover that's not essential to our survival.

What is the importance of this small bone?

This small bone does a lot more work than we think. Like every other bone in our body, it provides support for the body, and the coccyx bone also performs several specialized functions.

Imagine you're sitting in a chair. This bone helps to distribute your weight evenly and keep you stable. Like one leg on a three-legged stool, it works with your pelvis to help support your weight while you sit.

In addition, it is like an anchor that is connected to several important muscles in our body.

In addition to these muscles, this bone also helps to connect the surrounding tendons and ligaments. It also connects to several nerves that provide sensation to this area.

How is the coccyx bone formed?

Although we call it the coccyx, it is actually not a single bone. It is made up of several vertebrae that have fused together. It is usually formed by four vertebrae fused together. However, some people may have three or even five vertebrae.

How can this bone be damaged?

This bone can be damaged by accidents such as falls or by staying in the same position for a long time. The most common injuries are those caused by slipping and hitting the ground. Such falls can result in a bone bruise or even a bone fracture.

Some people are at greater risk of such accidents.

In addition to these common causes, very rarely, several types of cancer can also damage this bone. Don't worry about this, as these are very rare.

• Chordoma
• Prostate cancer
• Colorectal cancer

How does a doctor diagnose this condition?

When you go to see a doctor with pain, the first thing he or she will ask you is about the pain. That is, how does the pain come on, when does it get worse, how does it get better, and whether it spreads to other areas. We call this your 'pain pattern'. It is very important to tell your doctor everything you are feeling about the pain.

Then, if necessary, you may be referred for several tests to check the condition of the bone.

• X-ray examination (X-ray)
• CT scan
• MRI scan ( MRI )

These tests can determine exactly whether the bone is broken, bruised, or has another problem.

Will this pain heal on its own?

Some minor bruises can heal without any special treatment, with home care. However, if the pain and swelling do not subside after a few days, you should definitely see a doctor. Sometimes all you need is simple home remedies. However, before deciding what to do, it is important to see a doctor to determine the exact nature of your condition and get a diagnosis.

Finally, the coccyx is a small bone at the end of our spine, but it helps us maintain balance while sitting. While this pain can often be managed at home, don't ignore it if it's so severe that you can't sit or do everyday tasks. Seek medical attention immediately, especially if the pain comes after a fall or sports accident.