What causes pain at the base of the tailbone?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing pain at the base of my tailbone recently, especially when sitting. Sometimes it also feels sore and swollen. I'm wondering what could be causing this? I usually sit for long periods during work; could that be related? What are the possible causes of tailbone pain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Pain at the base of the tail, medically referred to as coccydynia, typically involves discomfort in the coccyx or sacrococcygeal region. This condition is commonly seen in clinical practice and may be caused by various factors, including but not limited to the following:
1. Trauma: Direct impact to the coccyx or sacrococcygeal area is a common cause, such as when falling and landing on the buttocks. This kind of external force can injure the coccyx and its surrounding tissues, resulting in pain.
2. Prolonged sitting: Extended periods of sitting can continuously compress the soft tissues around the coccyx, leading to impaired local blood circulation, congestion, and swelling, which can cause pain. This situation is particularly common among individuals who must sit for long periods, such as those working at desks or driving.
3. Childbirth: During delivery, women may experience compression or stretching of the coccyx as the baby passes through the birth canal. This can result in injury or displacement of the coccyx, causing pain.
4. Anatomical abnormalities: Some individuals may have congenital abnormalities of the coccyx or abnormal relationships between the coccyx and surrounding bones. Such structural issues can also lead to pain.
5. Lumbar disc herniation: When a lumbar disc herniates, the protruding disc may compress corresponding nerve roots. These nerve roots may extend into the coccygeal region, causing pain in that area.
If persistent pain at the base of the tail occurs, it is recommended to seek medical examination at a hospital immediately.
