Recover From a Coccyx Injury
A coccyx injury (coccydynia) is an injury to your tail bone, which is made up of three to five smaller bones located at the end of your spine. The coccyx could get injured or fractured due to a fall, direct blow, childbirth or straining during exercise. There are no treatments available other than steps to relieve the pain like simple lifestyle changes or professional medical treatments. Read on to learn more.
Instructions
Home Treatments
1. Sit on a hard surface or a cushion pillow (one with a hole in the center) depending upon your pain and comfort level. Coccyx injury also affects the ligaments and tendons surrounding the bone, so try not to sit for a long period continuously. If possible, consider leaning forward or sitting on each side of the buttocks to avoid pressure on the tail bone.
2. Apply ice to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every two hours for the first few days. After that, apply heat to relieve pain with warm, moist towels or warm bath. While soaking in a bathtub, lie down on your stomach.
3. Take stool softeners or fiber rich food to ease bowel movements and avoid constipation.
4. Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen as directed on the label.
5. Learn about personal experiences of other patients with similar problem at medical forums and sites such as the Coccyx website.
Medical Treatments
6. Consult with your physician if the pain gets worse. Your doctor could do further testing to determine whether to opt for surgical removal of the coccyx or prescribe stronger medications.
7. Treat severe coccyx pain with injections of corticosteroid after checking with your physician. These injections given around the coccyx or into the joint provide some relief although not permanent. In some cases, the injections have to be repeated depending upon the course of treatment.
8. Opt for acupuncture, relaxation massages, physical therapy or homeopathy.
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