Back Pain Explained - What Is Coccydynia?

Coccydynia (pronounced cock-see-dinn-eeaa), is an affliction of the coccyx. The coccyx is the tiny bone at the base of the sacrum and is an evolutionary left-over from when we were primates! The coccyx doesnt really have a function in modern humans though it does have a role as an attachment site for some muscles of the pelvic floor. So in that sense it is important.

So what is coccydynia? It is a term that is used to describe pain of the coccyx or pain that is around the region of the coccyx. In my experience it is a problem that affects mainly females and I have yet to come across the problem in males. Its onset is usually from trauma, often following a fall onto the backside. It does however, also occur for no reason and just come on.

The pain is often localised to the coccyx, that is also tender to touch. It is usually made worse with direct pressure and on sitting as this places direct pressure upon the coccyx.

Treatment is usually by managing the symptoms. Commonly recommended is to sit on a cushion with a hole in the middle to avoid pressure on the coccyx!

Physiotherapy can often help and relieve the symptoms. Working on the soft-tissues around the back are often helpful. The pain may also be referred from the surrounding structures such as the muscles of the buttocks. Due to its location and function (for muscle attachment, remember?), coccyx pain may also indicate involvement of the pelvic floor muscles. In the absence of any obvious trauma, it is important to look at the surrounding structures as the cause of the pain and not just focus on the coccyx itself!

Coccydynia...A Painful Tail!