Pronounced: KOK-sih-DIE-nee-ah
Coccydynia is pain in the area of the coccyx, or tailbone. The coccyx is a small, curved, V-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine.
This condition is caused by an injury or stress that affects the tailbone, as well as the muscles and nerves surrounding it. Examples include:
These factors increase your chance of developing coccydynia:
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.
If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to coccydynia. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He will do a physical exam, looking to see if the tailbone area is swollen, red, or warm. Tests may include:
These tests can show if there is a fracture or dislocation.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
Orthopedic Trauma Association
http://www.ota.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://coa-aco.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
References:
Acetaminophen. EBSCO Publishing Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16topicID=1034 . Updated February 2008. Accessed November 7, 2008.
Coccydynia (tailbone pain). Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/Coccydynia/hic_Coccydynia_Tailbone_Pain.aspx . Accessed November 7, 2008.
Coccydynia. EBSCO Publishing DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated April 2008. Accessed November 20, 2008.
Dressendorfer R. Coccydynia. EBSCO Publishing Rehabilitation Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16topicID=860 . Updated August 2008. Accessed November 20, 2008.
Ibuprofen. EBSCO Publishing Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16topicID=1034 . Updated February 2008. Accessed November 2, 2008.
Naproxen. EBSCO Publishing Patient Education Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16topicID=1034 . Updated February 2008. Accessed November 7, 2008.
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary . 28th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005;403.
Last reviewed December 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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