A tailbone (coccyx) injury can be very painful and take several weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the injury. The coccyx is a small, triangular structure of 3-5 bones located at the bottom of the spinal column. Injuries to it may result in a bruise, dislocation, or fracture of the coccyx, which must be managed with cautious treatment.

The majority of coccyx injuries occur in women because of a broader pelvic structure that results in a coccyx that is more exposed to injury. Women also tend to place more weight on the coccyx when sitting. Additionally, childbirth may cause damage to the tailbone when the baby passes over it. Most tailbone injuries among individuals are caused by several other factors:

• A fall onto the tailbone in the seated position
• A direct blow to the tailbone, commonly during contact sports
• Repetitive straining or friction against the coccyx

Tailbone pain can range from dull to sharp, depending on certain activities, prolonged seated or standing positions, or direct pressure to the tailbone area. A bruise or swelling also may be visible with pain or tenderness in the lower back and on top of the buttocks area. There are several home remedies you can try if your doctor determines that the injury will heal as expected. The use of a coccyx cushion or gel donut is among the most popular home remedies for tailbone pain relief. The cutout center decreases pressure on your coccyx, reducing pain and inflammation.

While soft chairs can inflame a sensitive area, a coccyx cushion offers comfort without affecting the tailbone. Memory foam coccyx cushions are an ideal choice because they accommodate each individual user, are inexpensive and are designed for repetitive use. Tailbone cushions also help users improve their posture, especially those who work behind a desk often. An individual can comfortably sit up straight with the help of their cushion, and pain is gradually alleviated.

Coccyx cushions help reduce all types of lower back symptom and are a perfect accessory to any chair. Once you talk to your doctor about your treatment options, contact or visit any Carmichael’s retail location for over-the-counter pain relief medicines and top-quality tailbone pillows.