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Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Coccyx After Child Birth

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Posted on Thu, 16 Feb 2017
Question: Hi I am 26 years old and I have a 16 months old baby boy. I gave birth naturally with epidural. Approx. 2 or 3 months ago I started to have pain in the coccyx, but only when I sit a long time. What can it be?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saul Weinreb (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is very possible that there was a fracture of the coccyx

Detailed Answer:
thank you so much for asking your question on healthcaremagic. I will do my best to answer your question.

Congratulations on your baby I hope all is well. The coccyx or tailbone can l sometimes be fractured as a result of a delivery. This can cause pain and inflammation and this can persist sometimes for weeks or even months.

The best way to diagnose this would be through an x-ray or possibly an MRI of your pelvis. unfortunately because of the location and the nature of this bone this is not something that can actually be fixed and obviously it can't be set in a cast like you would a broken arm or something like that.

However time alone usually heals it. If there is continued inflammation like it sounds like there might be in your case sometimes anti-inflammatory medication or even injections may be helpful. they can help by reducing the inflammation so you are more comfortable and there is less pain.

It is also a good idea not to put pressure on that area when you sit down. Some people may use a donut-shaped pillow so that when they sit down the tailbone is in the center of the circle and there is no pressure on that bone when you are sitting.

Therefore it would be a good idea to see your doctor and get an x-ray to check if this indeed is your problem.

I hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you have anymore questions or concerns.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Follow up: Dr. Saul Weinreb (8 minutes later)
Thank you for the prompt answer. I am very concerned, and haven't found any relevant information, please tell me, can it also be cancer? I mean, be it cancer in that area, can in hurt in the same way? Thank you very much!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saul Weinreb (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it is extremely unlikely that this is a cancer

Detailed Answer:
thanks so much for your follow up question. it is my privilege to help you.

although of course anything is possible, there is no reason at all to imagine that this would be a cancer. after the delivery there is certainly a provable cause for a fracture or sprain of the coccyx, so that is the most likely explanation. cancer usually doesn't start with pain like you describe. and is extremely rare in that area and in a person your age.

so I wouldn't worry too much about that possibility. you should get it checked out, and if they find a fracture or sprain at least you will know what is going on.

I hope this helps, please let me know if I can be of further help.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Saul Weinreb

OBGYN

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 562 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Coccyx After Child Birth

Brief Answer: It is very possible that there was a fracture of the coccyx Detailed Answer: thank you so much for asking your question on healthcaremagic. I will do my best to answer your question. Congratulations on your baby I hope all is well. The coccyx or tailbone can l sometimes be fractured as a result of a delivery. This can cause pain and inflammation and this can persist sometimes for weeks or even months. The best way to diagnose this would be through an x-ray or possibly an MRI of your pelvis. unfortunately because of the location and the nature of this bone this is not something that can actually be fixed and obviously it can't be set in a cast like you would a broken arm or something like that. However time alone usually heals it. If there is continued inflammation like it sounds like there might be in your case sometimes anti-inflammatory medication or even injections may be helpful. they can help by reducing the inflammation so you are more comfortable and there is less pain. It is also a good idea not to put pressure on that area when you sit down. Some people may use a donut-shaped pillow so that when they sit down the tailbone is in the center of the circle and there is no pressure on that bone when you are sitting. Therefore it would be a good idea to see your doctor and get an x-ray to check if this indeed is your problem. I hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you have anymore questions or concerns.