National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Coccygodynia


Other Names:
Coccydynia
Categories:
Coccygodynia is a rare condition in that causes pain in and around the coccyx (tailbone). Although various causes have been described for the condition, the more common causes are direct falls and injury. [1]
Last updated: 7/25/2013
The classic symptom is pain when pressure is applied to the tailbone, such as when sitting on a hard chair. Symptoms usually improve with relief of pressure when standing or walking [2].

Other symptoms include [2]:
  • Immediate and severe pain when moving from sitting to standing
  • Pain during bowel movements
  • Pain during sex
  • Deep ache in the region of the tailbone
    • Last updated: 7/25/2013
    A number of different causes have been associated with coccygodynia. However, the most common cause is a direct fall and injury to the area of the sacrum and coccyx. These types of injuries can occur from various activities, examples include a kick, an injury on a trampoline when one hits the bar or springs that surround the trampoline jumping pad, or from falling from a horse or skis. Another common cause, exclusive to women, is childbirth. The other most common cause of the condition is pregnancy. During the last three months of pregnancy, certain hormones are released in the women's body causing the area between the sacrum and the coccyx to soften and become more mobile. The increased mobility may result in permanent stretching and change and causing inflammation of the tissues surrounding the coccyx. In about one third of all cases of coccygodynia, the cause is unknown. Other less common causes include nerve damage, cysts such as Tarlov cysts, obesity, and a bursitis like condition that can arise in slim patients who have little buttocks fat padding.[1]
    Last updated: 7/25/2013
    Treatment for coccygodynia generally falls into conservative management or surgical intervention categories. The conservative approach typically includes hot sitz baths, NSAIDs, stool softeners, and/or the use of a donut-shaped pillow or gel cushion to descrease pressure and irritation of the coccyx. If these treatment options fails, glucocorticoid injections may be used in an attempt to reduce the pain. Massage therapy has also been used to help decrease pain, but most studies have shown that the relief experienced from this form of therapy is temporary. The more aggressive and rare approach involves either partial or complete removal of the coccyx (coccygectomy). [1][3]
    Last updated: 7/25/2013

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    Organizations Supporting this Disease

    These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

    In-Depth Information

    • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
    • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Coccygodynia. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

    Selected Full-Text Journal Articles

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    • Could you please provide me with information about Thiele syndrome, an eponym for coccygodynia (also called coccydynia)? See answer


    1. Lyons MJ. eMedicine. February 10, 2006; http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped/topic383.htm. Accessed 4/7/2008.
    2. Coccydynia. Cleveland Clinic Center for Consumer Health Information. http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/4200/4241.asp?index=10436. Accessed 4/7/2008.
    3. Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ. Unexplained Anal Pain . Feldman: Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, 8th ed. . Philadelphia: Saunders, An Imprint of Elsevier; 2006;