Coccydynia arises when something causes damage to the coccyx itself or the surrounding area. The most common causes include; stretching of the supporting muscles and ligaments during pregnancy and childbirth; trauma to the coccyx usually resulting from an accident and abnormal positioning of the coccyx due to postural stresses or repeated activities that place pressure on the coccyx.

What are the symptoms of coccydynia?

Symptom severity can be variable and may include one or more of the following:

• Pain during or after sitting
• Acute pain whilst moving from sitting to standing
• Deep ache around the coccyx
• Sensitivity to finger pressure on the tip of the coccyx
• Pain before or during bowel movements

Physiotherapy treatment for coccydynia

Coccydynia is not only painful but can be extremely debilitating and all too often people with this condition have been on a long and fruitless journey. This may be due to the anatomy of the coccyx, putting it under constant, unavoidable pressure throughout our normal day, hence increasing its susceptibility to pain and injury.

Early physiotherapy intervention can be extremely beneficial in not only reducing pain but also future recurrences. This is because we can teach you strategies, exercises and postures which will reduce the pressure naturally placed on this area in every day life, as well as administering passive treatments to reduce pain and inflammation.

Physiotherapy treatment may include:

• Heat therapy to increase flexibility and reduce pain
• Mobilisation techniques to reduce pain
• Postural advice to reduce pain in sitting
• Electrotherapy to promote healing
• Acupuncture to reduce pain
• Core strengthening exercises to reduce pain and increase function
• Manipulation (however we tend to find that this is rarely indicated