Lower spine pain characterizes coccygodynia or tailbone pain. The condition often heals after a few weeks. Medically, symptom treatment is usually given.
What is coccygodynia?
Coccyx pain should be medically evaluated. Coccygodynia is sometimes referred to as coccygeal neuralgia. Thus, coccygodynia is a condition that manifests itself in the lower spine at the level of the coccyx (some vertebrae that are atrophied and connected to each other), mainly by characteristic pain. The pain that occurs in the presence of coccygodynia is often burning, pulling or stabbing. As a rule, the pain of coccygodynia occurs mainly in sitting positions. Developmentally, the coccyx affected by coccygodynia is a regressed part of the caudal skeleton. The name coccygodynia comes from the group of bones (os coccygis) that is affected by pain in the condition. Coccygodynia is a condition that occurs relatively rarely. If coccygodynia occurs, it predominantly affects women.
Causes
Possible causes of coccygodynia are varied. Coccygodynia cannot always be attributed to a specific cause. Often, coccygodynia is a result of injuries sustained from falls to the gluteal region. But coccygodynia can also be caused by other stresses; for example, sitting on hard surfaces for long periods of time. Coccygodynia can also be caused by other underlying conditions: For example, so-called lumbalgias (popularly known as lumbago), herniated discs or tumors in the region of the coccyx can lead to coccygodynia. Coccygodynia can also be caused by gynecological diseases or malformations of the coccyx. Furthermore, childbirth or surgical interventions can promote coccygodynia. In many cases, coccygodynia is also caused by psychological stress.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Coccygodynia is manifested by distinct symptoms. A burning or throbbing pain in the coccyx area is characteristic of the condition. Sufferers often experience a strong pulling or stinging sensation, combined with overheating of the affected part of the body. The symptoms are not necessarily limited to the coccyx region, but can also radiate to the upper spine and lumbar region. The pain occurs especially when standing up and sitting down. Often the pain is so severe that activities such as sexual intercourse and defecation are no longer possible. This can result in other symptoms of a psychological nature. Accompanying general symptoms such as malaise and fever may occur. In addition, the prolonged posture can lead to deformities, joint and bone pain, tension and cramps. The symptoms usually subside after some time. In individual cases, chronic complaints may develop. Possible secondary complaints are coordination disorders, movement restrictions, circulatory disorders and nerve pain. Under certain circumstances, the respective underlying disease may cause further non-specific symptoms. Typical psychological complications include depressive moods, panic attacks and irritability. Provided that the individual symptoms and complaints of coccygodynia are treated at an early stage, the health problems can be reliably and quickly alleviated.
Diagnosis and course
In order to diagnose coccygodynia, a comprehensive consultation with a doctor usually takes place first. This conversation is then followed by a physical examination. If the suspicion of coccygodynia arises in this context, this suspicion can be confirmed by various procedures. Which diagnostic procedure is useful depends, among other things, on the suspected cause of coccygodynia. For example, it may be helpful to perform an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) of the pelvic region. Ultrasound is also used to diagnose organic coccygodynia. Depending on the cause of coccygodynia, its course can vary greatly from one individual to another. In many cases, coccygodynia lasts for a few days to weeks and then subsides.Occasionally, however, coccygodynia may persist for several years and eventually become chronic.
Complications
In most cases, coccygodynia resolves without medical treatment. In most cases, the pain in the spine disappears again on its own and there are no particular complications. It is not uncommon for those affected to suffer from burning or stabbing pain. This pain can spread from the coccyx to other regions of the body and cause considerable discomfort in these regions as well. The quality of life of the affected person is significantly limited and reduced by coccygodynia. It is also not uncommon for restrictions in movement and also coordination disorders to occur. Certain activities or the practice of sports is usually no longer possible for the affected person. These restrictions often lead to psychological complaints or other moods and depressions. In most cases, the treatment itself is only symptomatic, so that mainly the pain is treated with the help of medications or through various therapies. No particular complications occur. Life expectancy is not reduced by coccygodynia in most cases.
When should you go to the doctor?
If pulling, stabbing or burning pain is noticed in the coccyx area, this should be taken to the family doctor or a sports medicine specialist as soon as possible. If the complaints occur after an accident or fall, an immediate visit to the doctor is recommended. Other warning signs that should be clarified are pain during bowel movements or sexual intercourse, as well as difficulty standing up or sitting down. If these symptoms are noticed, there may be an underlying health problem that needs to be treated. Those who have recently suffered a coccyx contusion, a herniated disc, or a gynecological condition are particularly susceptible to developing coccygodynia. Tumors in the coccyx area as well as lumbago and root irritation syndrome are also among the risk factors that need to be clarified quickly. Affected persons should see their family doctor or an orthopedist within a few days and have the symptoms clarified. Other contacts include the chiropractor and specialists in the particular ailment. Children complaining of pain in the coccyx should be presented to a pediatrician.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of coccygodynia is initially based on the underlying causes of the condition in the individual. In cases where no organic causes for coccygodynia can be found, medical treatment of coccygodynia usually centers primarily on symptom control; addressing the pain. One way to address the pain associated with coccygodynia is with the use of a local anesthetic (a local anesthetic). The anesthetic is injected into the painful area of the body and thus relieves the pain within its duration of action. Measures that can also have a pain-relieving effect include targeted physiotherapy, acupuncture and various relaxation methods. Aids that can contribute to short-term pain relief in coccygodynia include seat wedges or rings. If coccygodynia is based on psychological factors, among other things, individual psychotherapies can help to combat the pain. If coccygodynia is associated with very pronounced and continuous pain in an affected person, there are options for catheters to provide a longer-term supply of anesthetic or analgesic agents.
Outlook and prognosis
In principle, coccygodynia can be cured. Depending on the cause of the symptoms, the treatment plan will vary. In many patients, a spontaneous cure can be documented. This is especially possible if there was a short-term overexertion and the body can achieve regeneration through its ability to heal itself. If there are permanent strains on the lower spine, the prognosis worsens. In these cases, sudden sustained regressions are unlikely. The affected person undergoes physiotherapeutic training and has to change his daily routine. Relief of the affected region is necessary for an improvement of his health.The movement sequences are to be changed in the long term and aligned with the needs of the organism. By optimizing the loads and reorganizing everyday life, long-term relief of the complaints can be achieved. Otherwise, there is a risk of an increase in pain. In addition, secondary diseases can break out due to the persistent complaints, causing a further deterioration of the overall condition. The prognosis is particularly unfavorable in the case of an existing tumor disease. Cancer therapy is needed and removal of the tumor is indicated. Treatment and surgical intervention are associated with numerous risks and side effects. There is a deterioration of the quality of life and strong psychological stress. At an advanced stage of the disease, the patient is at risk of premature death.
Prevention
To prevent coccygodynia, it can be helpful, for example, to treat injuries quickly after falls on the coccyx. This is possible, for example, with the help of pain-relieving ointments. Taking advantage of early screening for pelvic conditions that may contribute to coccygodynia can also help prevent coccygodynia. To prevent psychological conflicts from leading to coccygodynia, for example, they can be worked through psychotherapeutically.
Aftercare
Aftercare measures prove to be relatively difficult in most cases of coccygodynia. In this disease, it is usually necessary to first identify the reason for the disease so that no further compilations can occur. In many cases, coccygodynia can disappear on its own, so that no follow-up care is necessary. As a rule, the person affected by this disease should take it easy and not engage in any stressful, physical or strenuous activities. The legs in particular should be spared, although bed rest or the use of various walking aids can also have a positive effect on coccygodynia. In the case of pain, painkillers can also be taken, although it is important to ensure that the correct dosage is used and that the medication is taken regularly. A doctor should always be consulted if there is any uncertainty or if there are any questions. Furthermore, physiotherapy can have a positive effect on the course of the disease. Patients can also repeat many of the exercises at home and thus accelerate the healing of coccygodynia. The disease does not usually reduce the life expectancy of the affected person.
Here’s what you can do yourself
There are several self-help options available to sufferers of coccygodynia. The condition can usually be easily prevented by examining and treating injuries or discomfort to the coccyx very quickly. Pain-relieving ointments or creams can also have a positive effect on the course of the disease. Furthermore, regular examinations in the pelvic area are also advisable, especially if there is discomfort in this area. The pain of coccygodynia can be relieved by various therapies. Acupuncture or various relaxation exercises, such as yoga, are suitable. Furthermore, various objects, such as seat wedges can also promote pain relief for the patient. However, in case of very severe pain or acute emergencies, they should be examined and anesthetized by a physician. If the coccygodynia leads to psychological discomfort, discussions with a psychologist or with a therapist can help. Discussions and contacts with other affected persons or with close friends or family are also useful. Other affected persons can contribute to an exchange of information and possibly give advice on how to reduce the symptoms.