The coccyx, or tailbone, is a bone located at the base of the spine near the anus.  It is attached to the sacrum by ligaments and should be able to move about 25 degrees forward and backwards to accommodate normal activities for example sitting, bowel movements, and childbirth.  In cases of physical trauma such as falls, car accidents, or difficult childbirth the coccyx or its surrounding soft tissue may be injured.  In some cases injuries may be very old, such as a childhood fall, but trauma to the tailbone remains and over time the lack of mobility culminates in pain and dysfunction.

Tailbone pain may be experienced as an inability to sit for long periods of time, pain with intercourse, or pain with bowel movements.  It may also radiate up into the pelvis, sacrum, or lower back.  Using manual physical therapy to mobilize the tailbone, align the pelvis and sacrum, improve tissue mobility, and improve muscle function, tailbone pain can be decreased or eliminated.



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Dr. Leslie Wakefield PT also treats TMJ, headache, lower back pain, neck pain, postural dysfunctions, alignment, women's health concerns, pelvic floor, scar tissue, chronic pain, orthopedics; she utilizes both exercise and manual treatments including myofascial release, visceral manipulation, trigger point release, joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, and others.
Copyright © 2014, Leslie Wakefield. All rights reserved.