Bridgeport
The coccyx consists of a group of small bones at the lower end of the spine. It holds most of the upper body’s weight, especially while sitting down. This makes it prone to injury when you fall on your back, have poor posture, or go through childbirth. This may result in tenderness at the base of the spine, which may be dull and achy, with occasional sharp pain.
Several treatment options, such as physiotherapy, corticosteroids, and local anesthetic injections, are used to relieve pain at the tailbone. If the pain persists, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon may recommend a tailbone surgery or coccygectomy in Bridgeport, CT to remove part or all of the coccyx.
Surgery isn’t often recommended straight away, but your doctor may recommend it if your coccyx is hyper-mobile or moves with too much freedom during diagnosis. They will also recommend surgery if it has sharp-pointed or new bone growth, known as spicules.
Spinal or orthopedic surgeons perform this surgery under general anesthesia. They start by cutting your skin directly above the coccyx to reach out to it. They then remove it from the sacrum, or the bone to which it’s attached and smoothen off the edge. Finally, they close the wound with stitches and cover it with a dressing.
There are several factors to consider after a coccygectomy. This is to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the chances of any complications. For instance, you may need a walking aid or physiotherapy after the operation if you’re experiencing difficulty in mobility. If you experience some pain, your doctor will recommend pain relief medication.
You may also experience pain while sitting for a few weeks after the surgery. Therefore, invest in a gel-filled cushion to support your back, and always lean forward to support your weight while sitting. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs is also advisable to reduce the pressure on your tailbone. However, if this is uncomfortable, you can sleep on your front with the pillow beneath your waist.
You may also return to work when you feel comfortable enough to do so. However, you may need to stay home longer if you spend longer sitting at your job. Please note that recovery varies from one person to the other. Therefore, a full recovery may take several months to a year. Meanwhile, reporting to your doctor about your experiences for further assessment and treatment recommendations is vital.
Surgery is not the first option doctors recommend after confirming a broken tailbone. An orthopedic specialist may first recommend and try out several other non-surgical options before they settle on surgery. These non-surgical treatments include:
Physiotherapy includes adjustments, like applying a gel cushion while sitting for long periods. This reduces localized pressure and improves your posture. Other methods used in physiotherapy include the following:
Coccygeal cushions are specially-designed cushions that support the buttocks and relieve pressure on the coccyx. While using this cushion, place it on the seat you often use, such as your office or kitchen seat. Avoid placing extra pillows below the coccygeal cushions, as they will make an uneven angle that will harm your back posture. It’s also best to use these cushions with a seat with back support to avoid slouching and hurting your lower back.
Your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease the pain from your broken coccyx. Some of the medications that they may recommend include the following aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen.
There’s a need to seek help from a back specialist if you suspect that you have a broken coccyx. They will help you evaluate the extent of your injury and recommend the proper treatment. Your doctor will start by trying other non-surgical treatments and recommend surgery if they fail to do away with your pain. Our Concierge Team will help streamline your treatments.
If you’re looking for reliable coccygectomy or broken tailbone services in Bridgeport, CT, look no further than CT Spine & Orthopedic. We’re a leading spine and orthopedic clinic that can help you with your tailbone pain. With our experts, you can be confident of the best spine and back treatment services. Contact us at (866)-553-0612 or complete our online form to learn more.
