If you are having tailbone pain, you may have been told that there are no real treatments available, and it will just take time to heal. While it is true that healing does take time, there are a number of treatments available that Westlake orthopedics specialists can do to treat your tailbone pain and ease your suffering.
The medical name for tailbone pain is coccydynia. This condition occurs when there is some type of trauma to the tailbone or coccyx, such as a fall. Medication and physical therapy are often useful in treating tailbone pain. Your Westlake orthopedics specialist will make a thorough examination of your condition, including diagnostic methods, such as X-rays, to determine what the problem is with your tailbone.
Coccydynia is caused by trauma to the tailbone such as childbirth or a fall. There is pain involved in the tailbone area which may be increased by pressure from prolonged sitting. The coccyx has 3-5 small bones at the end of the spine. Some of the bones may be fused together. Muscles and ligaments are attached to the coccyx and may be involved in the pain felt when pressure is placed on the tailbone region.
If you have tailbone pain, you feel pain when sitting or leaning backward. This pain can become pronounced if not treated because every time you sit, you are putting pressure on your tailbone. Pressure along the tailbone can cause the area to ache, and the pain can shoot down the legs. There may also be increased pain with sexual intercourse or bowel movements.
Westlake orthopedics often prescribe anti-inflammatory medications with some success in alleviating tailbone pain. A donut-shaped pillow can also help relieve pressure placed on the tailbone when sitting. Often, it takes several weeks or months to recover from coccydynia. If you have severe pain with the condition, your Westlake orthopedics doctor may prescribe stronger pain relief medications. Physical therapy can stretch the coccyx and help improve your condition. In rare cases, surgery may be used to remove a portion of the coccyx. This surgery, called coccygectomy, is rarely used for tailbone pain unless other treatment methods have proven unsuccessful. The best way to find out which treatment plan will work best for your condition, and to begin getting relief now, is to schedule a consultation with your Westlake orthopedics specialist.
For 25 years, Texas Orthopedics, Sports & Rehabilitation Associates has offered leading edge, full service Westlake orthopedics, as well as care throughout the Austin area. Call (512) 439-1001 to schedule a same day urgent need appointment. For non-urgent needs, please request an appointment online or call (512) 439-1001. To learn more about Texas Orthopedics, Sports & Rehabilitation Associates, visit http://www.txortho.com/
