Good morning. For those who don’t know me, my name is Dr David Gobbo, and I’ve been practicing at Keilor Health Centre for almost 8 years now. I began at the clinic as a myotherapist but was so inspired by Osteopathy that I completed further studies to qualify as an osteopath, and have been doing so since 2019. During my time working, I’ve encountered so many different issues, both acute and chronic, and I absolutely love assisting my patients in their musculoskeletal needs.
An area that has really interested me lately is working with some of my patients who suffer from Tailbone pain. Tailbone pain (coccydynia) can make everyday tasks uncomfortable at best, and unbearable at worst. The coccyx, a small triangular bone at the bottom of the spinal column, can get bruised and even fractured. Often sitting increases pain and can be quite debilitating for people with this issue.
Your coccyx is made up of three to five fused vertebrae (bones). It lies beneath the sacrum, a bone structure at the
base of your spine. Several tendons, muscles and ligaments connect to it. Both the coccyx and the ischial tuberosities (two bones that make up the bottom of your pelvis) bear your weight when you sit down.
Tailbone pain ranges from a dull ache to a fierce stab. It can last for weeks, months or sometimes longer. There are three types of events that cause tailbone pain:
● External Trauma: A bruised, broken or dislocated coccyx caused by a fall.
● Internal Trauma: Trauma caused by a difficult childbirth or from sitting on a narrow or hard
surface for too long.
● Others: Infection, abscess and tumours.
Interestingly, for one-third of those with coccydynia, the cause is unknown.
Treatment often encompasses a combination of mobilization and stretching to the surrounding joints as well as soft tissue techniques to the muscles surrounding the coccyx and sacrum and of the larger muscles of the hip pelvis and low back. Treatment will also include an at home exercise plan and ergonomic advice, to further manage your condition.
If you are suffering from tailbone pain, Osteopathy may be able to play a part of your treatment strategy. Have a great week, and I look forward to assisting you with managing your pain!
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