Coccydynia

What is coccydynia?

Coccydynia is a relatively rare condition involving pain in the coccyx, or tailbone. Symptoms of coccydynia include:

• Persistent pain and tenderness located between the buttocks
• Pain that increases with sitting or other activities that put pressure on the tailbone

What causes coccydynia?

Although it’s not always possible to pinpoint the cause of coccydynia, common causes include:

• Sitting for long periods of time
• Childbirth
• Injury

How is coccydynia diagnosed?

To diagnose coccydynia, your physician will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to help identify possible causes. Your doctor may also recommend diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, to assist in diagnosing your pain.

How is coccydynia treated nonsurgically?

Treatment for coccydynia focuses on managing the pain and restoring function with conservative care.

Nonsurgical treatment options include:

• Medication
• Self-care, including modifying activity to relieve pressure on the tailbone

What are the surgical treatment options for coccydynia?

Most people find relief from coccydynia with conservative measures. In cases where everything else has been tried or the pain is so severe that you cannot do the most basic of daily activities, surgery to remove the tailbone – a procedure called coccygectomy – may be helpful.

Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive spine expertise

Summit’s spine care team is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for the comprehensive expertise of our patient-centered care. Our back specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, nonsurgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, biofeedback, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeons offer proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.

Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a spine consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.