Thanks in your query. As an athlete, chances are you’ll be used to coping with intermittent ache. Good for you for listening to your physique and recognizing this isn’t regular.
Briefly, at any time when you could have ache that’s getting worse it’s a good suggestion to see a healthcare supplier (even if you happen to already noticed one). Whereas an X-ray offers a fast image of your tailbone, it’s not excellent, and there could also be extra remedy choices.
Learn on to be taught extra about tailbone ache.
What causes tailbone ache?
The tailbone known as the coccyx. The medical time period for tailbone ache is coccydynia. Frequent causes of coccydynia in teen and younger grownup athletes embrace:
– Harm from a fall or different trauma. This will trigger a bruise or damaged bone (additionally referred to as fracture).
– Pressure from repeated use.
Different common causes of coccydynia embrace: sitting for lengthy durations of time, dietary standing (weighing an excessive amount of or too little), being pregnant, or most cancers (which is way much less widespread).
Is there something I can do at house to assist lower the ache?
There are some issues you’ll be able to attempt at house, together with:
- Relaxation.
- Take over-the-counter medicines for irritation and ache.
- Word: It’s a good suggestion to test together with your healthcare supplier to ensure the medicines are secure primarily based in your medical historical past and allergy symptoms.
- Take a heat/scorching tub.
- Use a pillow for further help. There are pillows which are donut-shaped which will help cut back the strain in your coccyx whereas sitting.
When ought to I see a well being care supplier?
It is best to see a well being care supplier for coccydynia if:
- You discover the ache just isn’t enhancing after a few days
- You discover the ache medication just isn’t working
It is best to see a well being care supplier instantly if:
- The ache is extreme,
- You might be having issues strolling,
- You discover numbness or tingling in your legs or again, or
- You might be having any issues urinating (peeing) or stooling (pooping)
What is going to the well being care supplier do?
The well being care supplier will do an examination, together with touching your again and coccyx.
They might get photos of your tailbone. Typically this implies getting an X-ray. If the X-ray is regular, however the ache is extreme or persistent they might get an MRI or CT, which can provide extra particulars concerning the bone, muscle groups, and ligaments.
They might advocate extra remedy, together with:
- Prescription medicines to assist with the ache
- Bodily remedy
- Referral to a specialist