Pain in the tail when sitting? See what you can do
Tail pain is pain in or around the bony structure at the lower end of the spine.
The part of the spine referred to as the coccyx is commonly known as the tailbone. Pain in the tail is also called coccygodynia .
Tailbone pain can be caused by an injury to the coccyx from a fall. It can also result from sitting for a long time on a hard or narrow surface. Other causes include changes in the joints from arthritis or during childbirth.
Pain in the tail: What to do yourself
Typically, pain in the tailbone tends to subside naturally within a few weeks or months. In the meantime, you can try the following tips to alleviate it:
- Lean forward while sitting
- Sit on a pressure-reducing pillow
- Apply heat or ice to the affected area
- Take pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen
For tailbone pain that does not go away, consult your doctor. You may need a rectal exam to rule out other possible conditions. Sometimes an MRI is done to see if you have a fracture, joint changes or, in rare cases, a tumor.
Possible treatments for chronic tail pain
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can show you how to do pelvic floor relaxation techniques.
- Treatment: Massaging the muscles associated with the tail can help relieve pain. It is usually administered through the rectum.
- Local anesthesia : An injection of local anesthetic into the tail can relieve pain for a few weeks.
- Surgery : Surgery may be done to remove the coccyx. This option is typically suggested only after all other treatments have been unsuccessful.