Coccyx Pain: Causes and How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Nagging Pain at the Tailbone…
I wanted to share some information about tailbone, or Coccyx pain, as well as a Physcian resource Dr. Patrick Foye, located in New Jersey who specilaizes in treating challenging cases of chronic coccydynia.
The coccyx is often referred to as the “tailbone”, anatomically it is the lowest part of the spine made up of approximately 4 to 5 vertebral segments. There are some very important muscles worth mentioning that attach directly to the coccyx. Such as the gluteus maximus which primarily acts as hip extensor, the levator ani muscles, which are a group of pelvic floor muscles that maintain inlet and outlet position and tone, and the coccygeus, a smaller pelvic floor muscle that aids in bowel movements and childbirth as well as provides organ support, and flexes the coccyx forward.
Coccyx pain can occur as a result of traumatic injury or insidiously. Interestingly, only approximately 1% of coccyx pain cases are due to fracture, even in traumatic onset cases, such as falling. Despite a non fracture, there can be bone bruising, soft tissue strain, and injury. Pain without trauma are often related to hypermobility, or excessive motion at the coccyx, or overactive pelvic floor muscles. Both can lead to excessive flexion at the coccyx without a balance into reciprocal extension. We want the coccyx to tolerate flexion with sitting, but when we stand up there needs to be a tolerance for a shift in angular position.
Coccyx pain may also affect women during pregnancy as a result of length tension shifts across the pelvis due to hormonal increases in estrogen, progesterone and relaxin. No matter the cause Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can help address the pain as well as functional drivers in order to help you feel better!
The goal of pelvic floor physical therapy is to help manage pain, assess and address muscular and coordination contributions that have been identified, and ultimately restore coordination and strength. A Pelvic Health Physical Therapist is a great place to start if you’re dealing with any type of pelvic pain, including coccyx!
On a recent podcast I listened to I was so excited to hear from a great Physician who specializes in coccydynia ( coccyx pain). Keep in mind, this is likely a resource for an individual who likely has chronic unexplained pain that may not be resolving with the support of a good Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist. Dr. Patrick Foye, located in New Jersey specilaizes in treating challenging cases of chronic coccydynia.
Check out the link to his website with more details as well as information on how to order his book if you are curious!
Locally The Nirschl Clinic is also a great resource for more specialized imaging protocols: such as a sit to stand XRay and/or lateral images, which are ideal for coccyx pain.https://www.nirschl.com/
Active Patients please take a couple minutes and book your Follow Up Appointments thru the website-
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With Health,
Dr. Rachel
Dr. Rachel Aronson, DPT, PT, owner of Core Elements Physical Therapy, specializes in Women's Health and Orthopedics, validating one patient at a time along their healing journey. After receiving her Doctorate from Duke University in 2005, she brings 20+ years of experience in delivering care via a compassionate, kind, and calm expertise. She works with women helping them restore and thrive by using holistic hands on treatment, movement training, and functional strengthening. Empowering patients to regain hope and ditch fear! When you're ready to begin your rehabilitative journey she's your guide.
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