Coccydynia

Coccydynia is the name for persistent pain in the tailbone (coccyx). Pain can range from tenderness when sitting or leaning, to painful aching which can be debilitating for some people who suffer from it.

The condition is more prevalent in women than men, although ED Clinics treats both. If you would someone of your own gender to be present in the room, that can be arranged.

Sometimes coccydynia can resolve itself within a few weeks, but many patients can live with persistent pain for years. It is important that these people know that there are treatment options available.

Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for most cases of coccydynia, and has been extensively used in clinical practices to treat the condition. If you would like to speak to a clinician about your condition and whether shockwave therapy might be a good treatment option for you, you can find your nearest ED Clinic below.

Sessions start from £250.

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coccydynia treatment woman

What is Coccydynia?

The coccyx is a triangular bone made up of three to five segments which sits at the end of the spine. Coccydynia was first identified by doctors as inflammation and contraction of muscles surrounding the coccyx after trauma, however we have since learned the causes and presentation can be far more diverse, and often unknown.

Despite its small size, the coccyx has several important functions. It is connected to many muscles, ligaments and tendons, and also makes up part of the tripod which allows us to balance while sitting. Leaning back while in a seated position leads to increased pressure on the coccyx.

Pain in coccydynia can be consistent no matter what you are doing, but can become intensified when:

  • Sitting
  • Transitioning from sitting to standing.
  • Going to the toilet.
  • Bending forwards.
  • Having sex.
  • Menstruating.

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shockwave therapy for coccydynia testimonial

What causes coccydynia?

Coccydynia is commonly caused by trauma to the coccyx, either through falling over or sustained pressure on it for long periods of time, such as sitting in a chair or wheelchair with poor posture.

Other common causes include:

  • Pregnancy.
  • Giving birth.
  • Hypermobility.

Often however, the cause is unknown. In some cases, there may be no real injury or trauma to the tailbone, and the condition may seem to appear on its own, without any real cause.

Coccyx pain can sometimes be caused by underlying conditions not elated to coccydynia, so sometimes your doctor may run tests to rule these out before diagnosing you with coccydynia.

symptoms of coccydynia

An Introduction to Focused Shockwave Therapy

Watch this short video to learn what focused shockwave therapy is and how it treats MSK conditions like coccydynia.

How do you treat coccydynia?

Shockwave therapy involves sending high-frequency acoustic pulses into the tissue surrounding the coccyx. By creating microtrauma, shockwaves harness the body’s natural regeneration processes to repair tissue and blood vessels, accelerating the repair process.

Shockwave Therapy can treat a wide variety of conditions and disorders from tendinopathies, muscle strains and stress fractures to erectile dysfunction and more.

Shockwave Therapy is clinically proven to help and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). This non-surgical Shockwave treatment is also recognised by top orthopaedic hospitals and used by high profile professional sports bodies such as the English Institute of Sport, UK Athletics, Welsh Rugby Union, and many Premier League football clubs. Many people turn to shockwave therapy for back pain, tendonitis and many other painful conditions.

Depending on your situation we may also use a technology called electromagnetic transduction therapy (EMTT). EMTT uses high energy magnetic fields for regeneration and rehabilitation at a cellular level. EMTT initiates an anti-inflammatory response, reducing pain and inflammation in affected areas of the body.

Results are not guaranteed and may vary from individual to individual.

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3

3% of all back pain cases are caused by coccydynia.

90

90% of coccydynia cases respond to treatment.

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