The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is a small triangular bone at the bottom of the spine. It consists of three to five segments that are fused together in most people. The tailbone serves as an attachment site for many muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support the pelvic floor and control bowel movements. It also provides stability when sitting.
Some people may notice that their tailbone sticks out more than usual. This can be due to various factors, such as injury, weight loss, genetics, or posture. A protruding tailbone may or may not cause pain or discomfort. In some cases, it may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
In this article, we will explore the possible causes of a tailbone sticking out, the symptoms associated with it, and the treatment options available.
Causes of a Tailbone Sticking Out
There are several possible causes of a tailbone sticking out. Some of the common ones are:
- Injury. A fall or a blow to the tailbone can cause it to fracture, dislocate, or misalign. This can result in a visible bump or protrusion above the buttocks. An injury to the tailbone can also cause inflammation, swelling, bruising, and pain in the area.
- Weight loss. Rapid or significant weight loss can reduce the amount of fat and tissue around the tailbone. This can make the tailbone more prominent and noticeable. Weight loss can also affect the alignment and curvature of the spine, which can affect the position of the tailbone.
- Genetics. Some people may have a naturally longer or larger tailbone than others. This can be inherited from their parents or ancestors. A longer or larger tailbone may stick out more than a shorter or smaller one.
- Posture. The way a person sits, stands, or walks can affect the shape and position of their spine and pelvis. Poor posture can cause excessive curvature or tilting of the lower spine, which can push the tailbone outward. For example, hyperlordosis is a condition where the lower spine curves inward too much, causing the pelvis to tilt backward and upward. This can make the tailbone stick out more than normal.
Symptoms of a Tailbone Sticking Out
A tailbone sticking out may not cause any symptoms in some people. However, in others, it may cause:
- Pain. A protruding tailbone may cause pain when sitting, lying down, moving, or applying pressure to the area. The pain may be dull, sharp, throbbing, or burning. It may radiate to the lower back, hips, legs, or genitals.
- Swelling. A protruding tailbone may cause swelling or inflammation in the surrounding tissues. This can make the area feel tender, warm, or red.
- Numbness or tingling. A protruding tailbone may compress or irritate the nerves that supply sensation to the lower body. This can cause numbness, tingling, pins and needles, or weakness in the buttocks, legs, feet, or genitals.
- Difficulty with bowel movements. A protruding tailbone may interfere with the normal function of the muscles and nerves that control bowel movements. This can cause constipation, diarrhea, incontinence, or straining.
Treatment for a Tailbone Sticking Out
The treatment for a tailbone sticking out depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Some of the possible treatment options are:
- Self-care measures. For mild cases of tailbone pain or discomfort caused by injury or weight loss, some self-care measures may help relieve the symptoms. These include:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Applying heat or ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Sitting on a cushioned surface or a special pillow that has a cutout for the tailbone.
- Leaning forward while sitting to reduce pressure on the tailbone.
- Performing exercises that strengthen the muscles that support the tailbone.
- Gradually increasing physical activity and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet that includes fiber and fluids.
- Medical treatment. For severe cases of tailbone pain or discomfort caused by injury or an underlying condition, medical treatment may be necessary. This may include:
- Taking prescription pain relievers such as opioids or anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Having an injection of a local anesthetic or steroid into the tailbone area to numb the pain and reduce inflammation.
- Undergoing physical therapy to improve posture and mobility and relieve muscle tension and spasms.
- Having a manipulation or adjustment of the tailbone by a doctor or a chiropractor to realign it and restore its normal function.
- Having surgery to remove part or all of the tailbone. This is called a coccygectomy and is usually done as a last resort when other treatments fail.
Conclusion
A tailbone sticking out is not always a cause for concern. It may be due to natural variations in the size and shape of the tailbone, or due to factors such as injury, weight loss, or posture. However, in some cases, it may cause pain or discomfort, or indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if you have a protruding tailbone that causes persistent or severe symptoms, or if you have any questions or concerns about your condition.
