Tailbone Sticks Out: Causes of Protruding Coccyx and Treatment

Understanding Tailbone Issues

The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is located at the very bottom of your spine right above the cleft of the buttocks. This small triangular bone is made up of 3-5 fused vertebrae.

If your tailbone is sticking out, it could be a sign of an underlying problem. A protruding, painful tailbone may be caused by an injury or condition like coccydynia, tailbone fracture, pilonidal cyst, or spinal misalignment.

Coccydynia

Coccydynia refers to pain and tenderness in the tailbone area, often from abnormal mobility or positioning of the coccyx. Sudden movements like sitting down hard can displace the tailbone and lead to pain.

Women are more prone to tailbone pain since the female pelvis naturally angles the coccyx more forward. Pregnancy also increases risk as the hormones relax pelvic ligaments and childbirth can fracture the tailbone.

Symptoms of coccydynia include:

• Pain when sitting, standing up, moving bowels
• Pain relief when leaning forward or sitting on a soft ring cushion
• Tenderness when pushing on the tailbone

Treatment involves rest, anti-inflammatory medications, hot/cold packs, cushions and lifestyle modifications. Stretching, massage and physical therapy can help align the bone. As a last resort, surgery may remove the coccyx if other therapies fail.

Tailbone Fracture

Fractures of the tailbone are not common but when they occur they can be very painful. A fall or direct blow to the coccyx typically causes the break.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe pain when injured
• Pain when sitting, moving bowels, coughing
• Bruising, swelling, tenderness over the tailbone
• Possible deformity, protrusion, or leaning of the coccyx

Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation while the fracture heals. Over-the-counter pain relievers, ice, donut cushions, and rest help manage discomfort. Physical therapy also aids recovery. Surgery might be required if the bone healed in an abnormal position.

Pilonidal Cyst

A pilonidal cyst is an abnormal pocket in the skin that typically contains hair and skin debris. These cysts form near the tailbone at the top of the cleft between the buttocks due to ingrown hairs.

Risk factors for pilonidal cysts include:

• Obesity
• Prolonged sitting
• Excess body hair around the tailbone
• Family history
• Spinal curvature

Symptoms include:

• Smooth, inflamed bump or swelling by the tailbone
• Pain when sitting or moving
• Reddened skin over the area
• Drainage of blood, fluid, or pus

Doctors drain and pack the cyst to relieve pain and prevent infection. Surgery to fully remove the cyst may be required to prevent recurrence. Laser hair removal and good hygiene can help prevent pilonidal cysts.

Spinal Misalignment

Misalignments in the spine can protrude the tailbone outward and cause pain. Scoliosis, a sideway curvature, or lordosis, an excessive arch, put strain on the coccyx. Lifting injuries, falls, poor posture, obesity, and degeneration of spinal discs can also misalign the coccyx.

Signs of a tailbone made prominent by spinal misalignment include:

• One shoulder higher than the other
• Head not centered over the pelvis
• Appearance of leaning to one side
• Clothing not hanging properly

Chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, massage, and yoga can help realign the pelvis and take pressure off the tailbone. Maintaining proper posture and core strength prevents future misalignments.

Diagnosing Tailbone Disorders

To determine the cause of a protruding, painful tailbone, doctors utilize:

• Medical history Discuss symptoms, injuries, pregnancy, past spinal problems.
• Physical exam Check for tenderness, swelling, skin changes.
• Neurological exam Assess strength, reflexes, sensation.
• X-rays Images show bone alignment and fractures.
• CT scan Provides a 3D view of the coccyx.
• MRI Evaluates soft tissues around the tailbone.

Based on the findings, an accurate diagnosis can be made to guide appropriate treatment.

Relieving Tailbone Pain at Home

Several self-care measures can ease tailbone discomfort from injuries or misalignment:

• Cold packs reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Warm packs relax muscles and increase blood flow.
• OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs alleviate pain.
• Sit on a donut or U-shaped cushion to avoid pressure on the tailbone.
• Lay on your side or stand more to avoid sitting.
• Practice good posture and avoid slouching.
• Sleep on a firm mattress that supports spinal alignment.

Allow 2-4 weeks for bruising and swelling to subside. See a doctor promptly if home treatments do not relieve the pain.

Medical Treatments for Tailbone Disorders

Doctors have several options for treating tailbone pain and protrusion:

• OTC Medication - Oral NSAIDs or acetaminophen relieve pain and swelling.
• steroid injection A shot of cortisone reduces inflammation.
• Antibiotics Prescribed if a bacterial infection develops.
• Surgery Removes part or all of the coccyx if other treatments fail.
• Physical therapy Stretches and exercises improve mobility.
• Chiropractic adjustment Manipulation can reposition tailbone.
• Massage Relaxes muscles and improves regional blood flow.

The doctor will recommend appropriate therapies based on examination findings and test results.

Tailbone Injury Recovery Process

Recovering after a tailbone injury like a fracture takes patience but there are things you can do to facilitate healing:

• Avoid sitting directly on the tailbone
• Use an inflatable ring or coccyx cushion when sitting
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed
• Apply ice packs to relieve pain and swelling
• Rest and avoid straining activities
• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees

Most tailbone fractures heal within 6-8 weeks but pain can linger longer. See your doctor if the injury does not seem to be improving with conservative treatment.

Preventing Tailbone Problems

You can reduce the risks of injuring or misaligning your tailbone with these proactive measures:

• Maintain a healthy weight to avoid excess pressure on the coccyx.
• Use proper lifting techniques and avoid heavy lifting.
• Sit with good posture by keeping your shoulders back.
• Use chairs that promote proper spine alignment.
• Sleep on a firm mattress and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
• Do yoga or Pilates to build core strength.
• Wear loose clothing and avoid prolonged sitting.
• Get treatment promptly for chronic constipation or diarrhea.

Being attentive to back health and body mechanics reduces strain on the tailbone and prevents injury.

Outlook for Tailbone Disorders

The outlook is generally good for full recovery from painful tailbone conditions. Proper home treatment along with medical care results in improvement for most people. Surgery to remove the coccyx may be necessary in severe, chronic cases.

It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience persistent tailbone pain not relieved by conservative self-care. Correct diagnosis leads to more effective treatment.

While recovery may feel slow, follow your doctors advice and give the tailbone time to heal. With patience and proper care, you can get back to pain-free sitting and activity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.