Definition – What is periostitis of the coccyx?
An inflammation of the periosteum is an inflammatory change in the so-called periosteum. The periosteum is part of the outermost layer of bone and is the part of the bone that is sensitive to pain. This periosteum covers every bone in the human body and is crossed by fine nerves as well as small blood vessels. In the event of inflammation, the nerves of the periosteum are particularly permanently irritated and transmit a pain impulse to the brain. The inflammation can either be caused by an injury to the coccyx, or it can be caused by the transfer of the pathogen within the body – usually via the blood – to an inflammation of the coccyx.
Dragons
There are no real tangible or proven causes for the development of periosteitis of the coccyx. As a rule, however, overloading the bone or joint can cause such an inflammation. Also, the anatomical characteristics of the coccyx are different for each person, so that some people are more susceptible than others.
Furthermore, a “bad” sitting posture during sedentary activities or sitting loads such as riding in a poor saddle can cause such a disease. In addition, falls on the coccyx play a role that should not be disregarded. In most cases, however, the cause cannot really be reconstructed.
In such cases, the doctor then speaks of an idiopathic periosteitis. An accident or fall combines two components that could promote inflammation. Firstly, it usually causes a hematoma.
This is a bleeding under the skin, which can be recognized as a “bruise“. This leads to an increased blood influx into the damaged tissue. In the worst case, pathogens can also come along, which then settle in the damaged periosteum and cause an inflammation.
The second component is an open wound. If the skin above the coccyx is damaged, this is a possible entry point for pathogens from outside. As a rule, the body’s own immune system can eliminate these pathogens.
However, if it fails to do so, they can work their way up to the periosteum and “settle down” there. An inflammation of the periosteum at the coccyx, which was caused by a birth, is an absolute rarity. Although it is conceivable that during a difficult birth an injury to the pubic bone region may occur, into which pathogens can penetrate. However, this constellation is very unlikely in western hospitals where a high standard of hygiene is maintained during the birth. For example, the chances of suffering a coccyx fracture during birth are much higher than those of contracting periostitis.
All articles in this series:
