Covered by OHIP?
Most services are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
Waiting Time
Your timeframe depends on the type of procedure.
OHIP Covered Services
Most services are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
WILDERMAN MEDICAL CLINIC
About Coccydynia
The spine is divided into four parts: the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and the coccyx.
The coccyx is the very bottom portion of the spine; also known as a vestigial tail, it is made up of 3-5 vertebrae and is the location where coccydynia develops.
Coccydynia has a history of being poorly understood; in the early 1900s, coccydynia was incorrectly given as a diagnosis for many different kinds of lower back pain.
Medical understanding of the coccyx has since developed a great deal, and most current coccydynia cases are associated with abnormal mobility of the coccyx, which may trigger a chronic inflammatory process.
Coccydynia causes persistent pain and tenderness at the tip of the coccyx, between the buttocks. The pain is often worsened by sitting, or activities that put pressure on the bottom of the spine.
This condition is found more commonly in women than in men.
Causes of Coccydynia
- Injury to the area (falling, childbirth, etc.)
- Fracture
- Infection
- Tumour
- Unknown (idiopathic)
Symptoms of Coccydynia
Causes of Coccydynia
- Injury to the area (falling, childbirth, etc.)
- Fracture
- Infection
- Tumour
- Unknown (idiopathic)
Symptoms of Coccydynia
How is Coccydynia Diagnosed?
Coccydynia is diagnosed by conducting a thorough medical history and physical exam. During the physical exam, it is important to palpate and inspect this area to detect any abnormal masses or abscesses.
It is important to rule out any other diseases, such as cancer, as the cause of the pain. This can be checked via X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or colonoscopies.
When diagnosing back pain, it is important to distinguish between low back pain and coccyx pain; other problems have similar symptoms, but different treatments.
For low back pain, see our article on lumbago.
How is Coccydynia Treated?
- Avoid sitting for long periods, if possible
- Use a well-padded seat
- Rest to avoid re-injury
- Take medications to reduce the inflammation
- Take medications to reduce the pain in the affected area
- Nerve block injections of the ganglion impar (the nerve structure that provides nerve supply to the coccyx area)
- Cortisone injection
- Surgical resection of the coccyx is used in rare cases
We offer ultrasound-guided ganglion impair nerve block injections, caudal epidural injections, medication, PRP for chronic pain, active exercises, psychotherapy, biofeedback, and assistive devices like a doughnut (donut) cushion for patients suffering from coccydynia.
WILDERMAN MEDICAL CLINIC
Contact us
Discover Relief from Chronic Pain at Wilderman Medical Clinic. Take the first step towards relief by scheduling a consultation Now. Fill in the form and we will contact you within 48 hours.
Additional information resources related to interventional pain management
