Separating Coccydynia From Other Types of Lower Back Pain

Coccydynia, or inflammation of the tail bone, is a unique type of lumbar pain that can cause patients a severe amount of discomfort and agony. Identifying coccydynia and separating it from other types of lower back pain, however, can be difficult even for well-trained chiropractic professionals.

Coccydynia is actually an umbrella term that can refer to different types of localized inflammation of the coccyx, or tail bone. This inflammation is caused by a number of agitating factors, and treating it requires an extensive amount of specialized knowledge on behalf of a chiropractic professional.

Chiropractors hoping to diagnose and successfully treat coccydynia should consider seeking additional training from Ideal Spine. Practitioners trained in Ideal Spine’s Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) seminars may able to more accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of specialized lumbar spine ailments, including coccydynia.

Causes of coccydynia

Many different conditions can result in inflammation of the coccyx, including acute injury and infection. Coccydynia causes patients to suffer from a dull, aching pain that can start either as the direct result of trauma or even spontaneously.

Repetitive stress to the coccyx from work-related activity is a frequent cause of coccydynia. In women, childbirth is another common cause of coccyx pain and inflammation. Extended periods of immobility, when coupled with bad posture, can also contribute to tail bone pain.

Coccydynia, if left untreated, can result in long-term damage to the coccyx and other pelvic bones. It is an extremely uncomfortable condition that can make even the most mundane daily activities exceedingly difficult.

Identifying coccydynia

Diagnosing coccydynia is difficult because a number of conditions can result in a dull, aching lumbar pain that’s nearly identical to coccydynia. Moreover, referred pain is common in the lumbar spine. As a result, many chiropractors are quick to diagnose sciatica when examining this area of the spine. Patients seeking a more informed, accurate diagnose should consult CBP-trained chiropractic practitioners for a more comprehensive assessment and qualification of potential coccydynia.

In addition to other potential spinal conditions, shingles is a common illness that can often be mistaken for coccydynia. Doctors can rule out shingles as a possible ailment through clinical testing.

Treatment of coccydnia

Coccydynia should be treated conservatively by a chiropractic professional. Many chiropractors will prescribe a soft, cushioned seat in addition to regular adjustments. Because sitting often strains the tail bone and results in more pain, patients are often advised to avoid sitting whenever possible. Patients suffering from coccydynia often experience frequent bursts of pain that can be mitigated at least in part by chiropractic care and temporary lifestyle adjustments.

Rarely, coccydynia patients with extreme and persistent pain will be administered a corticosteroid shot to help relieve their pain symptoms. Others may have surgery performed on the inflamed bone to remove some of its prominence. Both of these options are considered extreme and are often unnecessarily risky. Working with a well-trained CBP chiropractor is typically a better way to treat unrelenting coccyx pain.

Overcoming tail bone pain

It’s advised that patients seeking care for their coccydynia look out for a chiropractic practitioner who is trained in Ideal Spine’s Chiropractic BioPhysics methodology. By learning about the intersection of physiology, lifestyle, biology and spinal health, chiropractors who have furthered their educations with Ideal Spine’s seminars are able to offer accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for hard-to-diagnose problems, including coccydynia.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.