That unforgettable nagging experience that can be so humiliating and sitting on cosy furniture becomes a lethal punishment. This is when what is commonly perceived knowledge about evolution becomes a critical discussion within your brain as you try twisting your butt in order to find a pinpoint compassionate position that is unavailable to comfortably sit. This is that optimal moment when the tailbone is no longer just a residual organ but a vital unit that has important functions both anatomically, physiologically and bio mechanically in life.
“If you hold a cat by the tail you learn things you cannot learn any other way”
…..Mark Twain……
The coccyx known by majority as the tailbone is vital in the following ways;
- It provides surface area for muscle and tendon attachment which have critical functions of complimenting life.
- It provides surface area for ligament attachment. These ligaments are vital in maintenance of support and initiating critical biomechanics.
- The strongest shape in the universe is said to be the triangle. Of which the coccyx is made of as a tripod structure to provide maximum support. And also absorbing the weight going through it.
- It provides support for the position of the anus just in case you were not aware.
The coccyx is not entirely fused as known to many. But it coexist either from 2-3 segments this allows for minute movement and absorption of shock.
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Infliction to such a distinct structure can be either :
- from a fall
- direct blow from contact sports
- trauma from childbirth
- the disease of sedentary that comes with repetitive strain from prolonged sitting.
Chris Murray said that “nobody ever kicked a dog wagging its tail”. This because it was a sign that the dog was in its happiest moment; just as no one would complain of pain and discomfort during sitting when the coccyx is in neutral harmony with the body.
Coccydinia is a condition associated more with females due to broader pelvis that exposes large surface area of the coccyx but male counterparts are not spared of this agonizing pain- indeed the agony of the tail.
Awkward sitting for prolonged period contributes across other factors as a significant causative risk thus health promotion and prevention is indeed of great value in educating people on what appropriate measures to undertake.
For instance the unaffected would benefit a lot from:
- Primary ergonomic counselling of appropriate sitting and understanding weight flow and distribution through the coccyx. And also the impact played by uneven tone in the muscle responsible for hip extension during walking.
- The pelvic gym would play an important aspect in strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles to maintain right position and momentum around the coccyx.
- At times one may not avoid a fall but being educated on protective ways of falling down would prevent injuries to the coccyx unlike direct impact.
- Proper protective gears during contact sports would also help prevent injuries.
Utilization of well padded seats for those who are mandated into prolonged sitting would help prevent repetitive strain.
While the affected:
- Apart from the above beneficial remedies they would also benefit in providing rest to the given site such as through the use of Doughnut Cushions after a proper prescription with a physiotherapist or being shown position to un-weight the tailbone.
- A physiotherapist would also provide internal mobilization and manipulation of the coccyx segments to rectify kinematics involved.
- Evidence has also proven that external mobilization and manipulation concur in benefits just as internal mobilization.
- Addressing and managing pelvic floor muscles though Kegells, treating the lower back or sacral pain also creates relief from referred pain that affects the coccyx when assessment suggests the same exists.
Just in case sitting has been very antagonizing, do not hesitate looking for help. Never be in shame to seek attention, lest the agony of the tail drags you along unexpected wrong habits that may impact negatively to your health.
Wilson Moti
Physical Therapist
