Our bodies need both healthy movement and rest to stay in good condition. The tailbone can be vulnerable to irritation because it makes contact with surfaces when we sit down. Oftentimes, tailbone pain is a result of an injury, either from a fall or from overuse, and stiffness from a lack of movement can be a contributing factor. People also experience tailbone pain during pregnancy, and it can be caused by medical conditions like arthritis.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss five potential causes of tailbone pain when sitting down and getting up.
Why do I have tailbone pain when sitting down and getting up?
The coccyx or tailbone is actually three bones fused together. There are also several tendons, ligaments and muscles that come together at the tailbone. Many types of movement and health conditions can cause irritation and pain in the tailbone and surrounding tissue. The term for pain in the tailbone area is coccydynia, but this represents various conditions with different causes. Certain people are more likely to develop tailbone pain than others, specifically, people who carry excess weight and those who are underweight.
The following are some common causes of coccydynia or tailbone pain when sitting down and getting up:
- Injury — A fall or repetitive strain injury to the tailbone can cause coccydynia. Activities like cycling and rowing can cause repetitive strain injuries such as tendinitis or hip bursitis.
- Sitting for long periods — Sitting on a hard or narrow surface for too long can cause tailbone pain, especially with poor posture. Sitting on an ergonomic or donut-shaped cushion can help.
- Pregnancy — Tailbone pain is fairly common during pregnancy and after childbirth. Tissue in this area softens and stretches during childbirth. This can make it more sensitive to pressure and pain.
- Arthritis — There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and many of them can cause tailbone pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common type, caused by aging and overuse, and rheumatoid arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause tailbone pain.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction — Pelvic floor dysfunction is a broad term that describes symptoms from tightness, weakness, tension, stiffness and disease that affect the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor dysfunction can have many potential causes, from living a sedentary lifestyle to nerve damage, tumors, conditions affecting the bladder and bowel, and more.
The only way to know for sure what’s causing your tailbone pain is to seek out an assessment with a doctor or a physical therapist. A PT will do an in-depth assessment to learn about your symptoms and observe how your condition is affecting your movement. They’ll create a personalized treatment plan for you to help you recover and help relieve your pain in the meantime.
At Border Therapy Services, we care about helping our patients feel their best. We’ll take the time to listen and understand what you’re experiencing. Then we’ll work together to create a plan that’s tailored to your needs.
Are you looking for a physical therapist to help with your tailbone pain? Call us or request an appointment today. Let’s find out what’s causing your pain and help you start feeling better.