4 Questions to Ask Your Tailbone Specialist

Tailbone pain is a common form of pain occurring in or around the lower part of the spine. The intensity of this pain can vary, encompassing various types of discomfort. The origins of coccyx pain are diverse and may result from factors such as childbirth, trauma, a sedentary lifestyle, and various underlying musculoskeletal conditions.

Given that the tailbone is connected to the rest of the spine through ligaments, it is susceptible to sprains, similar to other joints, and can also be displaced from its proper alignment. The causes of tailbone pain are numerous, making it a common issue, particularly among pregnant women.

While some individuals experience immediate flare-ups of tailbone pain following an injury, in other instances, it may manifest years later.

Tailbone pain comes in many different forms, sometimes it is the result of an acute injury, and others it may be a symptom of an underlying chronic condition. Given the wide range of causes and types of tailbone pain, it can present alongside varying symptoms.

The feeling is generally characterized as an ache, but the pain can present sharply when aggravated or triggered. Tailbone pain of course presents around the tailbone area and activities such as repetitive or jerking movements and prolonged sitting can aggravate it.

The tailbone is located at the base of the spine and is made up of several smaller bones, it plays an integral part in an individual’s ability to maintain balance and more. Tailbone pain typically remains contained in its specific area.

However, some individuals may experience tailbone pain radiating down the legs or in the pelvis. It is not only the symptoms that may present differently, tailbone pain can be experienced to varying degrees of severity and for different durations. Some instances of tailbone pain may be mild and acute and resolve on their own while others can persist chronically and/or cause debilitating pain.

In severe cases tailbone pain can be excruciating, affecting an individual’s ability to function in their daily lives or perform tasks. Tailbone pain can also flare up at night, impeding an individual’s ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Tailbone pain has a wide range of potential causes and can present as acute or chronic. Sometimes the reason for the onset of tailbone pain can be obvious such as a slip or fall causing trauma to the tailbone. Other times lifestyle factors play a role in the development of tailbone pain. Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle involving too much sitting, or repetitive movements, can prompt tailbone pain.

Pregnancy can cause tailbone pain through the loosening of pelvic ligaments alongside the pressure of the growing child. In certain cases, the cause of tailbone pain may be less obvious, as it may present as the symptom of an underlying musculoskeletal condition. In addition to the root cause of tailbone pain, tailbone pain can worsen when triggered by activities such as pushing, pulling, lifting, or prolonged sitting.

What will happen if tailbone pain goes untreated depends on the nature and cause of the pain. Tailbone pain can present with varying severity due to a multitude of causes and in some mild cases, it may even resolve on its own.

However, for chronic or severe tailbone pain treatment interventions at Northstar Joint and Spine become necessary. Neglecting to treat tailbone pain can lead to a worsening of the pain that can impede an individual’s ability to function.

Some underlying musculoskeletal conditions responsible for tailbone pain are degenerative in nature meaning they worsen over time leading to various adverse health outcomes. If not addressed promptly, acute instances of tailbone pain also have the potential to develop into chronic conditions, particularly when issues like inflammation are left untreated.

Tailbone pain treatment is available at Northstar Joint and Spine. We serve patients from Plano TX, McKinney TX, Richardson TX, Frisco TX, Allen TX, Addison TX, Carrollton TX, and beyond!