Chronic tailbone pain?
 

Well in addition to other spinal problems, I have a tailbone situation that nobody can seem to figure out and I am sick and tired of the pain. I went on a trip recently, and by the time I got home, I thought I'd die from the pain in my tailbone. A 13-hour car trip, 2 ways and the airplane seats! I thought I'd pass out.

I've never seen anyone here discuss tailbone problems. I do know of a yahoo type group that has one, but wondered if anyone here has a tailbone issue.

My doctor made an appointment for me to have an MRI done in a week and is referring me to the back specialist here. I've been going to the pain clinic here forever for this and last time I was there he just shrugged his shoulders and said I'd have to live with it.

My ****! I don't think so.

Oh, and yes, I've had injuries back there, LONG ago. I just woke up one morning a few years ago and thought, hmmmm...I hurt back there. Within a few days it was such full-blown pain I couldn't walk. And I hadn't taken a fall or anything! As I said, I've taken hits to the tailbone in the past, but way in the past. I was also kicked there by an abusive husband (but that was 37 years ago), slipped off a horse who decided to rush up the high river bank (and landed on the tailbone), have had numerous bad car accidents with resultant whiplash. But still, the pain just up and started all by itself one day and has never let up. Occasional trigger point injections have helped (OUCH!), but you have to get eXACTLY the right spot for them to work.

Doody,

Could it be coccydynia? Just a thought.

Also, I was having that same exact pain and to make a very long story short, I have three issues going on.

One, L5/S1 facet degeneration
Two, Rectocele
Three, Weak Pelvic Floor

So, according to one doc, this can all tie together. I am to get a facet injection next month. If that works, I am going into PT to work on the pelvic floor business. :)

I have sacroillitis - which causes tailbone pain.

I also have a severe muscle spasm that is pushing on my tailbone - another source of tailbone pain.

Combined, I can rarely sit like a normal person (my memory foam rear-end pillow goes everywhere with me) :rolleyes:

Have you been diagnosed with a Tarlov cyst?

I've the same, and, basically, it's inflammation which can be quite painful. I searched my files for info. when I had been asking about it on OBT, only I had to replace my hard drive so I will look further tomorrow.

A bone scan will detect or highlight hot spots that signal inflammation. But... so, too, did other radiographic imaging.

I do know that I don't sit or work in positions that others would find within the norm, but... one thing I'd definitely suggest is a PT or occupational therapist to assure that positioning or posturing won't also make the prob. worse.

Special pillows
 

Have you tried special pillows that allow the pressure to be taken off the tailbone for some pain relief while you are waiting. Like this one...http://www.sitincomfort.com/cocusesucu.html There are others. I just grabbed the first picture I found to show you.

Billye

Silverlady,

I bought one of those cushions you just linked to at the advice of my PT. I keep it in my car and it seems to help a great deal. The only problem is that by relaxing the tailbone into that opening, it still puts pressure on my sciatic nerve. I have an L5/S1 problem anyway maybe even piriformis. But overall they work really well! :)

Hi Doody-Hi everyone<wave>
I also have this same problem!!
I was told to live with it as well.....
I need to buy a donut pillow to sit on REAL SOON.
I know that mine started after my hysterectomy 3 yrs ago!Since i have had Xrays and an MRI .The docs have ruled out anything else.They all just say i have thinner skin in that area now:(
I cant sit like a normal person AT ALL either!
My chair has pillows perfectly alligned just for me.
I have one rolled up for my bottom.One for my back/neck.Then the one for my bad arm..It's VERY painfull for me to sit here for long.Of course i still do sometimes out of boredome-but i pay for it when i try to get up!!!!
I wish you lots of luck in figuring out whats causing your troubles!
~Kell~

Wow, I haven't even taken the time to check back. Thanks for the replies.

I've had sacroiliac injections that seemed to help for awhile. And yes I do have lower spine problems.

I had the MRI on Friday, and see my doctor sometime this week to see what he has to say.

And I do have 2 of the best cutout seats you can get to sit on, but they don't help. It's just as painful to use them. It just seems to pull more on the tailbone.

No, nobody has said anything about a Tarlov cyst, but it is a question I have to give to the doctor.

Lord, I can't even imagine one single day with no pain. Having pain somewhere everyday sucks big time!

Hi,

Take a look at Sacral & Gluteal Pain specifically Levator Ani and Obturator Internus at:

http://www.triggerpoints.net/_sgt/m1m3_1.htm

These Trigger Points respond well to hands on therapy by a trained PT or a Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist. Sometimes you have to go through the back door to reach the Obturator Internus.

Good Luck!