These symptoms indicate an inflammation of the periosteum at the coccyx

The most typical, but at the same time the least clear sign is the pain in the coccyx. As a rule, these become greater under stress and subside when the patient is at rest. Externally, the area around the pores may be slightly reddened.

The pain can also be provoked by pressing on the coccyx. In the blood count, the treating physician can find even higher inflammation parameters. As already mentioned, the pain is typical for inflammation of the periosteum at the coccyx; unfortunately, it is also present in almost every coccyx disease.

The pain is more piercing than dull and can be triggered at will by pressing on the coccyx. The intensity of the pain is not yet completely pronounced at the beginning but gets worse in the course of the disease. While physical movement or pressure on the coccyx increases the pain, relief is provided – for example, lying on the stomach with relaxed buttocks reduces the pain.

ISG Blocking
Sacroiliitis
ISG Arthrosis

Diagnosis

In most cases, the physician in charge of the treatment determines the diagnosis as a combination of anamnesis, physical findings and, in the case of an inflammation of the periosteum at the coccyx, also on the basis of blood values. The patient’s medical history will typically indicate overloading of the coccyx or a fall onto it. Furthermore, the pain on the coccyx can be provoked by pressure and, according to the patient’s information, typically becomes stronger under stress.The blood of the affected person should also show increased inflammatory cells and an elevated CRP. This combination should make the doctor think of an inflammatory event, localized in the coccyx.

TreatmentTherapy

The treatment of coccygeal periosteitis is, as with all other periosteal inflammations, determined by several components. These include first and foremost the physical protection of the inflamed area. This circumstance is decisive for the duration of the disease.

Furthermore, in most cases, antiphlogistic means bring relief from the inflammation and thus also from pain. Usually ibuprofen is chosen for this purpose. In particularly severe cases, cortisone may also have to be used.

The affected person can support this by superficially cooling the coccyx region in order to dampen the inflammatory reaction somewhat. Cortisone is a so-called immune modulator and serves to suppress the immune system. It is used in connection with periostitis when treatment with anti-inflammatory agents – such as ibuprofen – is no longer sufficient or the pain increases significantly.

However, cortisone represents the highest “escalation level” of drug therapy. Cortisone should only be used when anti-inflammatory drugs are no longer effective. Furthermore, it is important to note that cortisone treatment should only be carried out in consultation with a physician, since improper use can result in long-term side effects.

A seating ring is an effective way to reduce the load on the coccyx. The load on this part of the spine is particularly high when sitting. A seat ring also helps to improve the healing of wounds if a massive injury to the coccyx is caused by a fall or an accident.

The wound surface is thus protected and can usually be loaded again earlier. The homeopathic pharmacy also offers some remedies for inflammations of the periosteum of the coccyx to fight the inflammation. From the perspective of orthodox medicine, however, homeopathy is always regarded as a supplement and not as the main course of treatment.

An anti-inflammatory effect is attributed to the homeopathic Echinacea D1, for example. But regardless of whether homeopathic or orthodox medicine is used, the physical protection of the coccyx is the factor that is most decisive for healing. Pelvic exercises or exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles are primarily known to prevent unwanted incontinence – especially in older women.

However, the extent to which they have a positive influence on the healing of a periosteal inflammation of the coccyx is questionable. It is more likely that the strains that occur during the exercises could be a hindrance. Although the muscles of the pelvic floor only affect the coccyx, the execution of the exercises causes an increased load on the entire pelvis or the coccyx. It is therefore advisable to pause the exercises and wait for a healing process rather than delaying the healing process with the pelvic floor exercises.