Duration of pain
After birth, coccyx pain can last for different lengths of time depending on the cause. If the pain is caused by a contusion or bruise, it usually goes away after a few days or weeks. If ligaments are torn, the pain can last for several weeks.
A dislocation of the coccyx is often resolved painlessly after a session with an osteopath. If there is a fracture of the coccyx, depending on the severity of the fracture, it must be treated conservatively by sparing it or, if necessary, by surgery. This often leads to pain lasting several months.
Coccyx pain during birth
Often coccyx pain does not only exist after, but already during birth. The birth process is a great strain on the structures of the bones, muscles and ligaments. Especially in the supine position with spread legs, the coccyx is put under very strong tension.
The baby’s head presses against the pelvic floor, whose muscles and ligaments are largely attached to the coccyx. In some cases there are malpositions, which can be caused by a previous fall, for example, but have never been diagnosed as such. Even during pregnancy, the shift in the body’s center of gravity often leads to incorrect posture, which can have an additional burden on the coccyx.
Initially, the position of the child in the pelvis is of course also a risk factor to be considered. Further interesting information on this topic can be found here: Coccyx pain during pregnancy In order to prevent coccyx pain during birth, an osteopathic examination can be performed in advance, for example, to determine and correct any incorrect position of the coccyx. Furthermore, a so-called epidural or epidural anesthesia can be performed. This involves injecting an anesthetic into the outer spinal cord sheath, also known as the epidural space, which numbs the lower part of the body from the hip onwards during birth.
