Associated symptoms

Coccyx pain in a sitting position usually has a pulling, stabbing or burning character and is located at the lowest end of the spine at the level of the buttocks. In some cases, the symptoms are not limited to the coccyx region, but radiate into the anal region, the groin region or the hip. The pain can either occur only when sitting or be intensified by this body position, or it can also be triggered by other activities such as climbing stairs, sexual intercourse, or defecation.

If nerve irritation is the cause of the discomfort, sensations such as tingling or numbness of the buttocks can also occur. If an inflammatory reaction is the cause of coccygeal pain in the back, for example due to a coccyx soap fistula, the accompanying symptoms are usually redness and swelling. Itching can also occur.

If the coccyx is broken, the bony structures may move abnormally when the patient sits down, which is usually particularly painful. Coccyx pain is often intensified when sitting down and getting up again. This can be explained by the fact that the entire spinal column is moved when the body changes position from sitting to standing.

Many people sit with low body tension and only straighten their backs when they stand up. Since the coccyx is the lowest end of the spine, all forces and movements act on this part of the body when getting up. Coccyx pain that already exists when sitting is often initially intensified.

However, getting up and walking or standing is the most important measure for coccyx pain, which is most severe when sitting. In most cases, too long and frequent sitting is the main cause of the pain or sitting at least favors and maintains the coccyx pain. Those who suffer from coccyx pain should therefore sit as little as possible or at least get up regularly.

Even though getting up can increase the pain in the short term, in the long term it often leads to an improvement in symptoms or at least prevents further deterioration. Coccyx pain while sitting is often associated with bowel movements, whereby two different aspects can be distinguished. On the one hand, the cause of the pain can be constipation, from which many older people in particular suffer.

During defecation, the very hard stool must pass through the rectum, which is located in front of the coccyx. During this process, pressure can be exerted on the pain-sensitive end of the spine, which leads to the pain. On the other hand, normal bowel movements can also lead to an increase in coccyx pain.

If there is already irritation of the coccyx due to another cause, defecation can be the trigger for the pain. The symptomatology is further enhanced by the sitting position during defecation. After a fall on the buttocks, there is often severe coccyx pain while sitting.

In most cases there is only a bruise and only rarely a fracture of the coccyx. However, since pressure is exerted on the pain-sensitive lower end of the spine when sitting, this is often the cause of the pain. If possible, sitting should therefore be avoided as much as possible.

In contrast to most other causes of pain, heat should not be applied. Relief, on the other hand, is provided by temporarily cooling the coccyx region. During pregnancy, coccyx pain is frequent in a sitting position, although there is usually no dangerous cause.The pain is usually caused by the growing uterus pressing against the coccyx from the inside by the growing child.

Typically, the discomfort is greatest when lying down, but the coccyx pain can also become very severe when sitting. The pregnant woman should not spend too much time sitting, but should be on her feet a lot. If this is not possible or becomes too strenuous, lying on your side may be a remedy.

If the coccyx pain is very severe or recurs repeatedly while sitting, the gynecologist or family doctor should be consulted. After giving birth, many women suffer from coccyx pain while sitting. The cause is that the coccyx is put under a lot of strain during delivery.

The child exerts strong pressure from the inside. Especially very large babies and women with a rather narrow pelvis have an increased risk of coccyx pain after birth. A long and complicated birth process can also be the cause of postpartum pain. However, since it is usually only a severe irritation of the bones and ligaments and there is usually no injury, the pain subsides of its own accord after a few days. If possible, the woman should not sit on hard surfaces in the period after the birth.