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Lisa R. Reznick MD, PA

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Coccydynia - Tailbone Pain

  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment

Introduction

Coccydynia is an uncommon painful condition that originates from the coccyx, the tailbone at the end of the spine.  Trauma and falls are the most frequent causes of coccydynia.  In the vast majority of cases, nonsurgical treatment, such as medications and physical therapy work well to ease symptoms.

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Anatomy

The spine is composed of a series of bones called vertebrae.  Joints that allow movement while providing stability connect the vertebrae.  The end of the spine, the coccyx, has 3-5 small bones.

The coccyx bones align in a curve like a small tail.  Some of the coccyx bones may be fused together.  However, fewer than 10% of people have a completely fused coccyx.

Muscles, ligaments, and tendons attach to the coccyx.  It plays a role in weight bearing when seated. 
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Causes

Coccydynia is caused by trauma to the coccyx, such as from a fall, injury during childbirth, or prolonged sitting.  Trauma can cause ligament inflammation or injure the coccyx where it attaches to the spine.  In some cases, the cause is unknown.
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Symptoms

The primary symptom of coccydynia is pain.  You may experience increased sensitivity to pressure, especially when sitting and leaning backwards.  The area around your tailbone may ache.  Coccydynia can cause pain that shoots down the legs.  It can also contribute to pain during sexual intercourse or bowel movements. 
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Diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose coccydynia by reviewing your medical history and examining you.  You should tell your doctor if you have fallen or given birth recently.  Imaging tests, such as X-ray or MRI, may be used to rule out other sources of pain.  Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies may be used to assess nerve function.
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Treatment

Coccydynia is typically first treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.  Your doctor may recommend that you sit on a donut shaped pillow to help relieve tailbone pressure.  It may take several weeks or months for the pain to decrease.

For persistent or severe pain, your doctor may prescribe pain medications.  Local medication injections are used to place numbing and anti-inflammatory medications near the source (joint or bursa) of the pain.  Nerve blocks are used to interrupt a nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals.

Your doctor may gently move (manipulate) the coccyx after you receive a pain relieving injection.  You may be referred to physical therapy for gentle stretching.  Ultrasound therapy may be used, which soothes pain with warmth. 

If treatments fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be used to remove a portion of the coccyx (coccygectomy).  The short outpatient surgery is successful for relieving symptoms for most people.  However, surgery is very rarely used. 
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

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Patient Education

Our patient education library features more than 200 award-winning orthopedic articles with images, videos, and tons of helpful information.

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Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. After the surgery, while the stitches were still in and the brace still in place, I had more flexibility in my fingers than I had before the surgery. I am six weeks out from the surgery and I continue to progress. I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

Nancy L.

via md.com

Seeing Dr. Reznick and being treated by her is like going to heaven with millions of angels. She can not only treat your hand, she treats the soul. She is the best!!!

Les D.

via healthgrades.com

Amazing visit. I can't remember the last time I spent quality time with a doctor. She explained everything to me on why I was having trigger finger issues. I have been dealing with this for some time. She nailed it on the first visit ‘cause she talks to you and listens! If you need a hand doctor you will be happy she is the one.

Anonymous

via healthgrades.com

Dr. Reznick is one of the most professional, sensitive and caring physicians I have visited. She is a teacher--patient and informative, and she made sure I understood just exactly what was necessary for my particular problems. She took care of both my left and right carpal tunnel surgeries, and I couldn't have asked for a better recovery. Everything went just as planned. She is my ‘go to’ hand doctor!

Anonymous

healthgrades.com

When I was having problems with my wrist, she guided me through every step, and always made sure I was comfortable with what she was doing. Very straightforward and trustworthy. I never doubted what she was doing and she always wants to try every technique before doing surgery to try to make you better.

Shannon C.

healthgrades.com

I recently rode 900 miles on a vibrating Harley-Davidson and did not have a single tingle in either of my hands. You do great work. Thanks for helping me.

Ed G.

Just wanted to let you know again how much I appreciated your care, expertise and skill in conducting the surgery on my hand. A job well done. Thank you.

Randall A.

My surgery went very well. My banjo and I thank you.

Kevin M.

Dr. Lisa Reznick has performed carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and has removed my basal joint from my right hand. All of my surgeries have been successful, and I now have complete use of both hands and my right thumb, which I credit to a great surgeon, good therapy, and a genuine concern for patients.

Robert

My hand is in perfect working order because of your expertise. I appreciate your genuine concern for my healing. Through the myriad of maladies my husband experienced, I became acquainted with many doctors. None even approached your level of patient care.

Trudy R.

Dr. Reznick performed surgery on my hand for ‘trigger finger’ and did a wonderful job. I’ll definitely user her again if the need ever presents itself again.

Don L.

Dr. Reznick is very to the point and no nonsense. She tells you what options there are in your treatment and advises you accordingly. I had hand surgery four years ago and it was a complete success. I actually went back to work one week early. I have recommended Dr. Reznick to many friends and associates. Frankly, I won’t go to anyone else when it comes to muscles or bones. I have complete faith in her.

J. Schully

via vitals.com
Testimonials

Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. [Now] I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

~ Nancy L. via md.com

Lisa R. Reznick MD, PA

Board Certified Orthopedic and Hand Surgeon

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4100 Fairway Court, Suite 120
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In Carrollton, TX, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lisa Reznick offers conservative treatment options for all types of general orthopedic issues, while specializing in surgeries of the hand, wrist, and elbow.