Thanks in your query. As an athlete, you could 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 may have ache that’s getting worse it’s a good suggestion to see a healthcare supplier (even should you already noticed one). Whereas an X-ray offers a fast image of your tailbone, it’s not excellent, and there could also be extra therapy 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. Widespread causes of coccydynia in teen and younger grownup athletes embody:

–          Harm from a fall or different trauma. This may trigger a bruise or damaged bone (additionally referred to as fracture).

–          Pressure from repeated use.

Different normal causes of coccydynia embody: 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 frequent).

Is there something I can do at residence to assist lower the ache?

There are some issues you may attempt at residence, together with:

• Relaxation.
• Take over-the-counter medicines for irritation and ache.
  • Observe: It’s a good suggestion to test along with your healthcare supplier to ensure the medicines are protected based mostly in your medical historical past and allergy symptoms.
• Take a heat/sizzling bathtub.
• Use a pillow for additional help. There are pillows which might be donut-shaped which might help 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 bettering after a few days
• You discover the ache drugs 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 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 could get pictures 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 can provide extra particulars concerning the bone, muscle mass, and ligaments.

They could advocate extra therapy, together with:

• Prescription medicines to assist with the ache
• Bodily remedy
• Referral to a specialist