If you’ve ever been to a chiropractor for a tailbone or coccyx problem, you probably learned that there is no easy way to treat this pain. Tufting and popping (that’s what they call it) of your tailbone is a challenge because the structure of this bone is unique.
Some experts claim that the coccyx is formed from three tailbones that fuse during development. Whatever the reason for its shape and size, treatment can be painful and slow, even with treatment methods.
However, looking for the best chiropractor in San Diego to treat tailbone pain is no easy feat. What are the best options out there? Is there a difference between different styles? And what do you do if you’ve been in an auto accident and need treatment?
What is Tailbone Pain?
Tailbone pain is a common condition that causes intense, sharp pain in the lower back area.
The tailbone or coccyx is a small bone at the bottom of your spine. This bone can become injured from trauma or repetitive stress, such as sitting on hard surfaces for long periods.
Tailbone pain may also be caused by coccydynia, inflammation of the tailbone. Inflammation of the tailbone may be caused by injury or trauma to the area, sitting for long periods, or infection. In some cases, there is no known cause for tailbone pain.
5 Causes of Tailbone Pain
An injury can cause tailbone pain to the tailbone, a condition that affects the tailbone, or a problem in another part of the body that may cause pain to radiate into the tailbone area.
Here are five causes of tailbone pain:
1. Injury to the Tailbone
Tailbone injuries are often due to falls or other trauma. A fall onto your buttocks can injure your coccyx (tailbone), especially if you land on it directly with no padding between you and the ground.
The bone may crack or break, causing pain and bruising. You may even need surgery to repair a broken bone in your tailbone.
2. Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc (PIVD)
A PIVD occurs when one or more intervertebral discs slip out of place and bulge out through a tear in an outer layer of cartilage surrounding them, called an annulus fibrosis.
This bulging disc may press on nerves running through your spine on either side of the vertebrae where they’re located, causing pain that radiates down into your buttock or down into your leg, depending on which nerve(s) are affected.
3. Obstetric Trauma
Childbirth is one of the most common causes of tailbone pain. The pressure on the tailbone during childbirth can result in a fracture or dislocation of the vertebrae. This type of injury is usually temporary, but it can take months or years before it heals completely.
4. Hip Problems
An injury can also cause tailbone pain to your hip joints, such as a hip fracture, dislocation, or instability. A fractured hip joint may be associated with other injuries to the pelvis, such as tears in ligaments or muscle injuries.
5. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the ligaments in your pelvis stretch out and become loose, which can cause tailbone pain. This happens when you’re carrying low — near the end of your pregnancy — because of the baby’s weight pulling down your lower back and pelvis.
Your doctor will recommend exercises to help strengthen these muscles before you give birth to support your growing belly more efficiently during labor and delivery.
5 Ways Treat Tailbone Pain with Gonstead Chiropractor in San Diego
Several factors can cause tailbone pain, but it is often the result of tight muscles and ligaments in your back. Unfortunately, tailbone pain can make it difficult to sit comfortably and get work done. Fortunately, coccyx pain chiropractic care offers several ways to treat this condition, and if you’re searching for a tailbone chiropractor near me in San Diego, our three offices in Kearny Mesa, Vista, and National City are here to help.
1. Manual Adjustments
One of the most common approaches in tailbone pain chiropractic care is manual adjustment. A San Diego chiropractor will use their hands to adjust your spinal column to align it properly.
This process may involve gentle pressure or even a quick pop that helps relieve tension in your lower back and pelvis.
2. Kinesio Taping
Kinesio taping, often searched as KT tape for tailbone pain, is another excellent way to ease discomfort without drugs or surgery. A Kinesio tape is a thin strip of fabric that has been pre-stretched into an athletic support bandage.
It can be applied directly over your tailbone area for added support, which can ease pressure and increase blood flow to the site — both of which help relieve discomfort caused by sitting or standing for extended periods (like when you’re driving).
3. Application of Heat/Ice Packs
Heat and ice packs can reduce inflammation and swelling in the tissues around your tailbone area. The heat helps loosen tight muscles, while ice helps reduce swelling.
Applying heat or ice packs should be done as soon as possible after noticing any tailbone pain symptoms. The best chiropractor in San Diego may recommend using one or both types of containers, depending on your specific situation and needs.
4. Exercise Recommendations and Stretches
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce tailbone pain because it increases blood flow and circulation around the area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
Your doctor may recommend specific exercises to help relieve your symptoms and stretches that will keep muscle tension at bay while you’re healing from an injury or strain.
5. Dietary and Nutritional Recommendations
A Gonstead Chiropractor in San Diego will look at your diet, nutrition, and lifestyle when determining how to treat your tailbone pain.
They will discuss eating habits such as what foods should be avoided, what types of food should be eaten more often, and any dietary supplements that might help treat your tailbone pain.
Nutritional recommendations may include a combination of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help promote healing through the body.
Tailbone Pain FAQs
What can I do for a bruised tailbone?
For a bruised tailbone, use ice for the first 48 hours, sit on a donut or wedge cushion, and avoid prolonged sitting on hard surfaces. Most bruises heal within a few weeks. If pain persists beyond that, a chiropractic evaluation can check whether the coccyx or sacrum has shifted out of position.
What can be done for a cracked tailbone?
A cracked (fractured) tailbone should be confirmed with X-rays first, which we take standing at our offices. There is no cast for a coccyx fracture; treatment centers on cushioned sitting, ice then heat, and time, typically 8 to 12 weeks. Once the fracture has healed, gentle chiropractic care can address any misalignment left behind, which is often what causes tailbone pain to linger long after the bone itself has mended.
How does a chiropractor treat coccyx pain?
Coccyx pain chiropractic care involves precise external adjustments to the sacrum and coccyx, soft tissue work on the surrounding ligaments, and posture and cushion guidance so healing isn’t undone every time you sit.
Dr. Zach Beatty, DC
Gonstead Family Chiropractic Location:
7822 convoy court San Diego CA 92111 Phone Number: 858-997-8203