What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Coccydynia

What is Coccygodynia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Coccygodynia is a rare condition in that causes pain in and around the coccyx (tailbone). Although various causes have been described for the condition, the more common causes are direct falls and injury
• A number of different causes have been associated with Coccygodynia. However, the most common cause is a direct fall and injury to the area of the sacrum and coccyx
• Another common cause, exclusive to women, is childbirth. The other most common cause of the condition is pregnancy. In about one third of all cases of Coccygodynia, the cause is unknown
• Other less common causes include nerve damage, cysts such as Tarlov cysts, obesity, and a bursitis like condition that can arise in slim patients who have little buttocks fat padding

(Source: Coccygodyniay; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Coccygodynia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Coccygodyniay is a rare disorder. The presentation of symptoms may occur at any age
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Coccygodynia? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Coccygodynia may include:

• Falls and injuries
• Obesity
• Extreme thinness
• Pregnancy
• Childbirth

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Coccygodynia? (Etiology)

Coccygodynia may be caused by:

• Direct injury to the tailbone (coccyx) area, which may result from
  • A fall (from a height)
  • A direct kick to the region
  • Trampoline injuries
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy, which can lead to permanent stretching and inflammation of tissues around the tailbone
• Childbirth
• Development of a cyst in the area surrounding the tailbone

Inflammation of the area near the tailbone which may lead to irritation and pain

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Coccygodynia?

The signs and symptoms of Coccygodyniay may vary among affected individuals in type and severity, and may include:

• Pain when pressure is applied to the tailbone, such as when sitting on a hard chair. Symptoms usually improve with relief of pressure when standing or walking
• Immediate and severe pain when moving from sitting to standing
• Pain during bowel movements
• Pain during sex
• Deep ache in the region of the tailbone

(Source: Coccygodyniay; Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS), USA.)

How is Coccygodynia Diagnosed?

Coccygodynia is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Coccygodynia?

The complications of Coccygodyniay may include:

• Severe pain
• Reduced quality of life

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Coccygodynia Treated?

Treatment for Coccygodynia generally falls into conservative management or surgical intervention categories.

• The conservative approach typically includes hot sitz baths, NSAIDs, stool softeners, and/or the use of a donut-shaped pillow or gel cushion to decrease pressure and irritation of the coccyx
• If these treatment options fails, glucocorticoid injections may be used in an attempt to reduce the pain
• Massage therapy has also been used to help decrease pain, but most studies have shown that the relief experienced from this form of therapy is temporary
• The more aggressive and rare approach involves either partial or complete removal of the coccyx (coccygectomy)

(Source: Coccygodyniay; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How can Coccygodynia be Prevented?

• Coccygodynia associated with pregnancy and childbirth may not be preventable
• Taking care to prevent falls during physical and recreational activities, and maintaining proper body weight may help one avoid injury to the tailbone
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of conditions such as Coccygodynia

Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended.

What is the Prognosis of Coccygodynia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Coccygodyniay is dependent upon the severity of the signs and symptoms and associated complications, if any
• Individuals with mild conditions have better prognosis than those with severe symptoms and complications
• Typically, the prognosis may be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Coccygodynia:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/