What helps tailbone pain while sleeping?
One of the most common causes of coccydynia, or tailbone pain, is bad posture. Tailbone pain refers to pain located around the bottom of the spine, where the coccyx is located, and can be caused by sitting in one position for too long, natural vaginal childbirth, or by damaging the coccyx or surrounding tissue during a fall.
Tailbone pain may travel to the hips, thighs, up and down the legs, and on some occasions, even to the rectum. It may concentrate around the tailbone itself, or cause extreme discomfort to the surrounding tissues and muscles. Generally, if the pressure on the coccyx is reduced, coccydynia will usually go away within a few weeks, on its own. Therefore, if the pain is tolerable, it is recommended to wait for a few weeks before seeking medical advice or care. That being said, however, care should be taken while sitting, walking, exercising and even sleeping, to ensure that coccyx is not under too much pressure and that it is given the opportunity to heal naturally.
In order to relieve pain and discomfort from coccyx injuries, experts recommend using appropriate support-pillows or a donut-shaped cushion while sitting and sleeping. Additionally, adjusting your sleeping position can help to manage the pain, as certain positions may apply more pressure on the affected area. It is also important to ensure that your neck pillow is the correct height, in order to keep your neck and spine straight while you sleep. If you sleep on your side, you can place a small pillow between your legs, which will help avoid pressure on your back, and prevent the hips from twisting. If you sleep on your back, it is best to place a pillow under your knees. Ensure that the mattress you sleep on is firm. If the pain persists, placing an ice pack on your back will offer immediate relief, as ice aids in preventing tissue damage, while also helping to decrease swelling and inflammation. Alternatively, applying hot pads before going to bed can also help to ease the pain.
If symptoms still persist, there are other treatments that might be helpful. First off, painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication can be easily purchased from both stores and pharmacies. If the pain worsens, it is recommended to visit your local doctor to find out the pain relief strategy that would work best for you. If your levels of discomfort have seen little to no improvement, it is likely that your doctor will refer you to a physiotherapist, who will teach you special stretches and techniques to relax the muscles around your tailbone and release tension in the affected are, as well as offer you further advice on how best to deal with you situation.
