Tailbone pain happens when there is an injury in the coccyx. This pain is also called coccyx pain. The tailbone or coccyx is located at the bottom part of the spinal column. It protrudes the most when you are sitting down.

Falling is the most common way to sustain an injury to your tailbone. Many people will fall on their buttocks and feel an immediate and sharp pain in their tailbone that goes away after a time. But if you land directly on your tailbone, such as when you slip and fall on the stairs, it can cause a tailbone injury since the impact is directly on the tailbone.

Falls aren’t the only thing that can cause a tailbone injury. Sitting for long periods of time on hard pieces of furniture can cause pain and that type of tailbone pain can impact even those who are active otherwise. It can also be referred pain from the sacroiliac joints, pelvic muscles and the lower back. Women are more prone to coccyx pain during pregnancy or after giving birth. If you are experiencing this type of pain, chiropractic may be able to help.

When you injure your tailbone, the muscles surrounding it will become stiff. Swelling can occur and the coccyx may end up pulling away from where it should be, causing the nerves in the area to become irritated. You can experience inflammation that can cause even more pain and discomfort.

The Chiropractor will conduct a thorough musculoskeletal assessment to determine the cause of your Tailbone pain. Treatment may include;

Spinal Adjustment - If the tailbone moves out of alignment, causing irritation to the nerves and tissues around it, then having a chiropractor correct the misalignment may help to bring relief.

Hot and Cold Therapy - To enhance the healing process by reducing the inflammation on the injured area.

Exercise Prescription - Proper stretching exercises will prevent tearing and straining of the tendons and ligaments. Exercises strengthen the muscles the surround the coccyx as well as the muscles that support the spine.

Pelvic Alignment Techniques - Needed if the pain is caused by pelvic dysfunction.

Instruction in Proper Body Mechanics - During sitting, lying, bending & lifting.

Ergonomic Adjustments - In the home and or work place.

Supportive Pillows - Specifically designed pillow can be a fantastic way for you to feel more comfortable while sitting and assist your coccyx to heal faster. Cushions are round in shape with a small hole in the centre to allow for your coccyx to rest without any direct pressure upon it.

Towards Wellness

Sleep and Mental Health

Sleep and mental health are intimately linked. We all know that after a sleepless night we can feel a bit tired and irritable, but most of us can bounce back after a good night’s sleep. People who suffer from chronic sleep problems have more difficulty recognising and managing emotions, and are at double the risk of developing depression.

Stretch of the Month

Standing stretches can prep your body for more intense exercise. As part of your warm-up routine, these stretches will increase your heart rate faster than floor stretches. Try a leg-stretching exercise.

1. Stand facing a wall. Slowly lift your left foot and bring your heel to your buttock.

2. Grab hold of your left ankle with your left hand and place your right hand on the wall for stability.

3. Gently pull on your ankle until you feel a mild stretch in your right thigh.

4. Hold this stretch 10 seconds. Slowly return your leg to the original position.

5. Relax 10 seconds and repeat with right leg.