Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, repetitive stress, degenerative disk disease, bone spurs, nerve pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, or anatomical changes in the coccyx. However, tailbone pain can also occur without any clear injury. Some possible causes of tailbone pain without injury include:
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Repetitive Strain: Prolonged sitting on a hard surface or sitting with poor posture can cause tailbone pain due to repetitive strain on the coccyx.
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Weight: Being overweight or underweight can cause tailbone pain. Extra weight can apply additional pressure to the coccyx, causing it to lean backward, while not having enough fat in the buttocks can cause the coccyx to rub against the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, inflaming the soft tissues.
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Muscle Tightness: Tight or shortened muscles in the glutes or pelvic floor can tug on the tailbone, causing it to deviate from its neutral, centered position and resulting in pain.
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Medical Conditions: Tailbone pain can also be a symptom of medical conditions such as chordoma, prostate cancer, or colorectal cancer.
If tailbone pain persists or is severe, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out more serious causes. However, in many cases, tailbone pain can be managed with home remedies such as sitting upright, avoiding prolonged sitting, and doing stretches or short walks.
