Coccydynia

Pain in the area of the coccyx (tailbone) is called coccydynia .Coccydynia can be anything from discomfort to acute pain, varying between people and varying with time in any individual. The name describes a pattern of symptoms (pain brought on or aggravated by sitting), so it is really a collection of conditions which can have different causes and need different treatments.

Coccydynia can follow after falls, childbirth, repetitive strain or surgery. In some cases the cause is unknown. The pain can disappear by itself or with treatment, or it can continue for years, and may get worse. It is five times more common in women than men, probably because the female pelvis leaves the coccyx more exposed. It appears that in most cases the pain is caused by an unstable coccyx, which causes chronic inflammation.

Medical trials have shown that coccydynia can be cured in majority of cases, if provide with right treatment. However, finding a doctor who can do a proper diagnosis of the condition and provide effective treatment is difficult, provide

One of the first aims of investigation is to rule out any disease such as cancer as the cause of the pain. This is very unlikely, but it needs to be checked.

X-rays, CAT scans, MRI scans and colonoscopy may be used for this purpose.

When deciding on treatments, it is important to distinguish coccyx pain from low back pain or other sources.

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