“I’ve heard the term…but what is Coccydynia?”
Plain ‘n simple….it is pain in the region of the coccyx (tailbone). This can happen for a variety of reasons, and is often a cause of post-delivery pelvic pain.
What does the coccyx do and where is it located?
- The coccyx serves as an attachment site for tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
- It also functions as an insertion point of some of the muscles of the pelvic floor.
- The coccyx also functions to support and stabilize a person while he or she is in a sitting position.
“So, . . . what exactly causes Coccydynia?”
- Chronic poor posture
- Sports Injuries
- Childbirth
- Obesity
- Joint disorders
- Fall or motor vehicle accident with foot on break
- Lifting injury
- Repetitive Strain such as cycling, rowing, etc.
- Constipation
- Diseases of pelvic organs
- Sexual Abuse
- Muscle Imbalance
- SI Joint Dysfunction
- Hormonal Changes
- Scared Adhesions
- Tumors / Bone Spurs
- Sciatica
- Fear, Anxiety, Stress
Symptoms:
- Pain when sitting
- Deep ache, cramping, or generalized pelvic pain
- Constipation or incomplete emptying
- Pain upon transfers from sit to stand
- Sexual dysfunction
- Referred pain in SI joints, buttock, groin, hips, lower extremities, perineum, feet
- Dyspareunia
- Headaches due to neural/dural tenion
- Low back pain, Sciatica
- Pain with coughing
“How can pelvic floor pt help me?”
Evaluation
- Soft tissue palpation of pelvic joint alignment to identify pain sources and trigger points.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Exam
- Manual Muscle Test (MMT)
- Posture Exam
- Mobility Testing
- Musculoskeletal Screening Exam
- Soft Tissue Massage
- Patient Education
Treatment
- Electrical Stimulation
- Muscle stretching
- Joint mobilization
- Body mechanics for daily tasks
- Spinal stabilization exercises
- Orthotic-sacroiliac joint belt
- Correct posture
- Modalities to reduce inflammation
- Seat Cushions
If Coccydynia sounds like something you are dealing with, give our offices a call to set up an initial evaluation with one of our therapists! 804-282-3500
Postpartum Strong® 