Thanks to 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, each time you have got ache that’s getting worse it’s a good suggestion to see a healthcare supplier (even in the event you already noticed one). Whereas an X-ray offers a fast image of your tailbone, it’s not good, and there could also be extra remedy choices.
Learn on to study extra about tailbone ache.
What causes tailbone ache?
The tailbone is known as the coccyx. The medical time period for tailbone ache is coccydynia. Widespread causes of coccydynia in teen and younger grownup athletes embody:
– 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 embody: sitting for lengthy intervals of time, dietary standing (weighing an excessive amount of or too little), being pregnant, or most cancers (which is far much less widespread).
Is there something I can do at house to assist lower the ache?
There are some issues you may strive at house, together with:
- Relaxation.
- Take over-the-counter medicines for irritation and ache.
- Be aware: It’s a good suggestion to examine along with your healthcare supplier to ensure the medicines are protected primarily based in your medical historical past and allergy symptoms.
- Take a heat/sizzling bathtub.
- Use a pillow for further help. There are pillows which might be donut-shaped which can assist cut back the stress in your coccyx whereas sitting.
When ought to I see a well being care supplier?
It’s best to see a well being care supplier for coccydynia if:
- You discover the ache is just not enhancing after a few days
- You discover the ache medication is just not working
It’s best to see a well being care supplier instantly if:
- The ache is extreme,
- You’re having issues strolling,
- You discover numbness or tingling in your legs or again, or
- You’re having any issues urinating (peeing) or stooling (pooping)
What’s 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 could get photographs of your tailbone. Typically this implies getting an X-ray. If the X-ray is regular, however the ache is extreme or persistent they could get an MRI or CT, which may give extra particulars in regards to the bone, muscle tissue, and ligaments.
They could advocate extra remedy, together with:
- Prescription drugs to assist with the ache
- Bodily remedy
- Referral to a specialist