Coccydynia

What is it?

Coccydynia is the name given to any condition that causes pain in the tailbone area.  It is more common in women and can be related to trauma, childbirth and prolonged sitting, although in most instances the cause is not known (idiopathic).

What are the symptoms?

Disabling pain in the coccyx, usually exacerbated by sitting or rising from sitting.  The pain is often described as a sharp lancing pain, worse with pressure or movement of the coccyx and relieved with standing.

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Treatments

Conservative management includes analgesia, pressure-relieving cushions and local corticosteroid injections in combination with coccygeal manipulation.  Recent studies suggest that physiotherapy and manipulation of coccyx provides little benefit.

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Historically, surgery to remove the coccyx has not been advised due to poor results and potential complications.  However, recent studies have shown about 60-70% good or excellent results on a carefully selected group of patients.  The success rate of surgery is much higher if the patient has a mobile coccyx and has responded to previous injections.

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