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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Constipation Cause Coccyx Pain?

Hello. I am currently watching what I eat to lose weight. I eat fresh fruits and veggies daily, but I am very constipated. Since I ve been constipated, my tail bone has been really sore, especially when I sit on a hard surface? Can constipation make your tail bone hurt? Is this normal?
Mon, 27 Mar 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi, thanks for your question.

I'm glad to help you with your concerns.

Te pain you feel at the tailbone is a symptom of a syndrome called coccygodynia which affects the coccyx.

This is caused mostly by falls to the coccygeal area. So if you can think back to any fall within the last one month. However, other causes are obesity, abdominal tumors, and infections of organs around the coccyx such as the rectum.

Constipation doesn't directly cause coccydynia but it exacerbates the pain because of the difficulty passing hard stools.

I would advise that you do the following to relieve the pain.

1. Take over-the-counter pain medications.
2. Take lots of water and laxatives to soften the stool.
3. Avoid sitting on hard surfaces and use only soft seats.
4. Sitz bath which involves sitting over a tub of warm water.
5. Physical therapy involving massages and exercises instituted by a physiotherapist.

If the pain does not resolve after a few weeks of these tips, you would need a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon, a doctor who treats diseases of bones and joints for surgical correction of the problem and identification of an organic cause.

I hope i have been able to help you.

Please review with me if you have more concerns.

Best wishes.

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Can Constipation Cause Coccyx Pain?

Hi, thanks for your question. I m glad to help you with your concerns. Te pain you feel at the tailbone is a symptom of a syndrome called coccygodynia which affects the coccyx. This is caused mostly by falls to the coccygeal area. So if you can think back to any fall within the last one month. However, other causes are obesity, abdominal tumors, and infections of organs around the coccyx such as the rectum. Constipation doesn t directly cause coccydynia but it exacerbates the pain because of the difficulty passing hard stools. I would advise that you do the following to relieve the pain. 1. Take over-the-counter pain medications. 2. Take lots of water and laxatives to soften the stool. 3. Avoid sitting on hard surfaces and use only soft seats. 4. Sitz bath which involves sitting over a tub of warm water. 5. Physical therapy involving massages and exercises instituted by a physiotherapist. If the pain does not resolve after a few weeks of these tips, you would need a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon, a doctor who treats diseases of bones and joints for surgical correction of the problem and identification of an organic cause. I hope i have been able to help you. Please review with me if you have more concerns. Best wishes.