Sacrum & Coccyx

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Coccyx disease, also known as coccydynia, refers to medical conditions that affect the coccyx, which is the small, triangular bone at the very end of the spine, often referred to as the tailbone.

Coccydynia can be caused by various factors, including trauma, injury, repetitive strain, or inflammation.

Overview of Conditions

Overview of common coccyx conditions, along with their causes, symptoms, and treatment options:

Coccydynia

Cause: Trauma or injury to the coccyx, such as falls, direct blows, or childbirth. It can also result from prolonged sitting on hard surfaces or repetitive strain.
Symptoms: Pain and tenderness in the tailbone area, often aggravated by sitting or movements like rising from a seated position.
Treatment: Conservative measures such as cushioned seating, pain medications, physical therapy, and the use of donut-shaped pillows to relieve pressure on the coccyx. In rare cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered for severe, persistent pain.

Coccygeal Fracture

Cause: Traumatic events like falls, accidents, or childbirth can result in a fracture or dislocation of the coccyx.
Symptoms: Severe pain at the tailbone site, especially when sitting or during bowel movements, along with bruising, swelling, and difficulty with mobility.
Treatment: Initially, conservative measures like rest, pain relief, and cushioned seating are recommended. In some cases, manual reduction or surgery may be necessary to treat dislocations or fractures.

Traumatic Dislocation

Cause: Severe trauma, such as a fall or accident, can cause the coccyx to dislocate from its normal position.
Symptoms: Intense pain and instability in the tailbone area, often accompanied by visible displacement.
Treatment: Emergency medical evaluation is necessary to assess the extent of the injury. Treatment may include manual reduction or surgery to reposition the coccyx.

Dr Richard Parkinson offers various conservative medical treatments, along with a range of minimally-invasive surgical therapies when managing coccyx disease or injury.

Coccyx spine injury or disease can be a significant source of morbidity, often leading to pain, functional limitations and reduced quality of life. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan if you suspect you have a lumbar spine condition as some conditions can cause permanent nerve and spinal cord injury if left untreated, which can result in long-term disability and permanently impaired movement. Treatment options vary depending on the specific condition, its severity, and the patient’s overall health.

Overview of common surgical procedures and anatomical approaches Dr Parkinson often employs:

Corticosteroid Injection
Radiofrequency Ablation
Coccygectomy

Dr Richard Parkinson

MBBS, BMedSci, FRACS

Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon with 20+ Years Experience

Dr Richard Parkinson performs surgery at Sydney’s leading private hospitals.

He consults and operates from Sydney’s most advanced neurosurgical and spinal surgery hospitals, including St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Prince of Wales Private Hospital and The Mater Hospital.

These hospitals offer the latest neurosurgical facilities, including cutting-edge imaging equipment and surgical navigation systems, dedicated and well-trained theatre clinical staff, as well as post-surgical rehabilitation specialists.

Dr Parkinson’s areas of expertise include surgery of the entire spinal column, scoliosis surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, as well as physical rehabilitation of athletes that have suffered a brain or spine injury.

Have a question about your condition or wish to book an appointment?

Please get in touch with our reception team if you have a general enquiry for Dr Parkinson, or your would like to book an appointment.

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Sacrum & Coccyx

Coccyx disease, also known as coccydynia, refers to medical conditions that affect the coccyx, which is the small, triangular bone at the very end of the spine, often referred to as the tailbone.

Overview of Conditions

Dr Richard Parkinson offers various conservative medical treatments, along with a range of minimally-invasive surgical therapies when managing coccyx disease or injury.

Overview of common surgical procedures and anatomical approaches Dr Parkinson often employs:

Dr Richard Parkinson

Dr Richard Parkinson performs surgery at Sydney’s leading private hospitals.

Have a question about your condition or wish to book an appointment?

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