Diagnosis of coccyx pain when sitting

In order to make a diagnosis of coccyx pain in a sitting position, the doctor will first ask some specific questions. Among other things, he wants to know where exactly the pain is, when it occurs and how long it lasts. In addition, he will ask about previous injuries, concomitant diseases and any medications taken.Questions about job and everyday life, especially with regard to frequent sitting as a possible cause of the complaints, are also often asked.

The next important step in making a diagnosis is a targeted physical examination. By observing, pressing or tapping, the doctor can assess whether the pain really originates from the coccyx or whether there is another source of pain such as the lumbar spine. A pressure with the finger on the end of the coccyx can be revealing.

In most cases, the medical consultation and physical examination are already sufficient to make a diagnosis and initiate a mostly symptom-oriented therapy and to make recommendations. Only in a few cases are further diagnostic measures such as imaging useful. In most cases, a normal x-ray is first taken if, for example, there is a suspicion that the coccyx might be broken.

Only in exceptional cases is computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated for coccyx pain in a sitting position. There are various doctors who can treat coccyx pain while sitting. This depends on the underlying cause.

If there is uncertainty about a possible trigger, a family doctor can be consulted first. In many cases, for example after a fall or in case of additional tension, it is advisable to go to an orthopedist. If pain during sexual intercourse or other gynecological symptoms occur in addition to coccyx pain when sitting, a gynecologist should be consulted. If pain during bowel movement occurs simultaneously, it may be advisable to consult an internist.

Therapy of coccyx pain while sitting

The duration of coccyx pain when sitting depends mainly on the cause and whether something is done to relieve the pain. If the pain has been caused by excessive sitting, an improvement can usually be achieved within a few days through more movement and less time sitting or through the coccyx ring. If nothing is changed in the sitting behaviour, but only the pain is treated with medication, the coccyx pain can become chronic.

Therefore one should pay attention to a better sitting behaviour. In the case of poor posture, the coccyx ring can improve the pain. However, if the poor posture persists for several years, the duration is usually correspondingly longer. If the pain is caused by a bruise, for example from a fall, the duration is usually a few days. If, however, more serious injuries such as a fracture of the coccyx occur during the fall, the duration of the coccyx pain when sitting is considerably prolonged and can last from several weeks to several months.