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What Causes Painful Coccyx Bone?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015
Question: I have recently lost a lot of weight, I am now 5'10' at 167 lbs before I was pushing over 220, since the weight loss I have had pain in my tailbone, I usually don't notice it until I have been sitting in the car or at my desk for awhile, there is no pain until I move, then its either medium or pretty darn painful to stand up. This also occurred about the same time I developed what I think was a hemorrhoid, at that that time bowel movements were horribly painful and sometimes bloody, this has since mostly resolved on its own with the exception of occasional discomfort and a drop or two of blood appearing every once in awhile, both problems started at the same time and the tailbone pain has not gotten any better and it has been over a couple months, I don't feel any pain until sitting for awhile so if im lying down or on my feet most of the day I don't have any problems but my job requires a lot of sitting at a computer. Im not sure if the problems are connected or not. I have one of those body types that doesn't have much of a butt naturally so there is very little cushion between my tailbone and whatever I sit on. It doesn't seem to matter how soft and plush the chair is either, still some pain. Any advice? cause for concern?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Due to coccydynia.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
These symptoms are suggestive of coccydynia caused by inflammation of the coccyx bone. The symptoms are generally worse when sitting for prolonged periods of time, or with direct pressure to the tailbone area.

Follow these measures for relief from the symptoms:

1) Avoid sitting down for long periods of time. When seated, do not sit on hard surfaces and do alternate sitting on each side of the buttocks. Also, lean forward and direct your weight away from the tailbone.

2) Take adequate rest and apply cold compresses, avoid any injury to the affected area and take some antiinflammatory and pain medications like ibuprofen(motrin) or diclofenac. Some severe cases with persistent coccydynia are treated with local cortisone injection and surgical resection of the coccyx.

3) You can also use a "doughnut" cushion or pillow to sit on. This cushion has a hole in the middle of it to prevent the tailbone from contacting the flat surface.

4) Also eat a high fiber diet foods to soften stools and avoid constipation.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
ok thanks. just wanted to make sure it wasnt anything that would turn into a medical emergency
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No it is nothing serious.

Detailed Answer:
This is due to minor inflammation of the coccyx. Nothing serious. Mild pain killers and a hot compress will help.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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What Causes Painful Coccyx Bone?

Brief Answer: Due to coccydynia. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. These symptoms are suggestive of coccydynia caused by inflammation of the coccyx bone. The symptoms are generally worse when sitting for prolonged periods of time, or with direct pressure to the tailbone area. Follow these measures for relief from the symptoms: 1) Avoid sitting down for long periods of time. When seated, do not sit on hard surfaces and do alternate sitting on each side of the buttocks. Also, lean forward and direct your weight away from the tailbone. 2) Take adequate rest and apply cold compresses, avoid any injury to the affected area and take some antiinflammatory and pain medications like ibuprofen(motrin) or diclofenac. Some severe cases with persistent coccydynia are treated with local cortisone injection and surgical resection of the coccyx. 3) You can also use a "doughnut" cushion or pillow to sit on. This cushion has a hole in the middle of it to prevent the tailbone from contacting the flat surface. 4) Also eat a high fiber diet foods to soften stools and avoid constipation. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal