Tailbone Pain

Understanding the Link Between Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Coccyx Pain

In the realm of chronic pain and discomfort, the coccyx—commonly known as the tailbone—can be a source of significant trouble for many individuals. The pelvic floor muscles create a hammock-like structure that helps to support the reproductive organs, spine, and pelvis. Since some pelvic floor muscles attach to the tailbone, it can become an area of pain if there are dysfunctions in this area.

Causes of Tailbone Pain

1. Muscle Tension and Trigger Points: When the pelvic floor muscles become tense or develop trigger points (areas of tightness or hypersensitivity), they can pull on the ligaments and attachments around the coccyx. This tension can lead to localized pain and discomfort in the tailbone area.

2. Impaired Muscle Function: Weakness or poor coordination of the pelvic floor muscles can cause irritation at the tailbone (where the pelvic floor muscles attach).

3. Nerve Irritation: In some cases, dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles can irritate nearby nerves, including the pudendal nerve, which supplies sensation to the pelvic region and the coccyx. This irritation can cause referred pain that is felt specifically in the tailbone area.

Diagnosis and Treatment

In pelvic floor physical therapy, the therapist is able to assess the pelvic floor muscles for strength deficits, coordination deficits, or increased tension (which are common culprits of pelvic floor dysfunction). After assessment, exercises can be done to strengthen or stretch the pelvic floor muscles. Oftentimes, there are areas of weakness or tension in the hips, lumbar spine, or abdomen that also contribute to pain. These areas are also assessed to manage the entire system with a customized exercise program.

How do I know if my pelvic floor is the cause?

Other common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are urine leakage, pain during intercourse, vaginal or rectal pain, low back pain, constipation, and increased urinary frequency. If you have tailbone pain along with any of these symptoms, it may be time to consult a pelvic floor physical therapist!

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between pelvic floor dysfunction and coccyx pain is crucial for management and relief of symptoms. By addressing underlying pelvic floor issues through targeted therapies and lifestyle adjustments, individuals can often experience significant improvement in coccyx pain and overall pelvic health.