The small bone present at the bottom of the backbone is commonly called tailbone. It is also known as coccyx, and is made up of 3 to 5 bones fused together. The coccyx can get affected by different injuries and disorders resulting in pain in the lower back.
Usually, coccyx injury is seen in women more than in men because the female pelvis is broader and the coccyx is more exposed. The common symptoms seen for tailbone disorders, besides the pain in the lower back includes:
- Weakness in the legs
- Pain during bowel movement
- Pain or numbness in the legs
- Swelling and redness near the tailbone
Causes
A trauma to the coccyx area results mostly from tailbone injuries. A fall on to the tailbone resulting in ligament inflammation is the common cause. The coccyx can be injured or fractured during childbirth as well. In addition to that, the following can lead to coccyx injuries and tailbone issues.
- Direct blow to the coccyx that happened during a sport activity
- Pressure arising due to prolonged activities like horseback riding, cycling, etc.
- Tumors or fractures in the coccyx area; though it is very rare
When to Seek Medical Advice
You should seek medical assistance if you have an uncomfortable feeling in the tailbone area, pain in the coccyx, or if you have any of the earlier-mentioned symptoms. It will be the doctor’s discretion to decide if the injury is traumatic or if the pain is caused by some other serious problems. Treatment may vary according to the cause, however, diagnosing the cause at the right time makes it easier for getting the right treatment.
