Tailbone 911

Is Your Pain Caused by Coccydynia?

Sufferers of of tailbone injury share such widely differing symptoms as sciatica, migraine and general pain – but all can be traced back to one common cause. Whether far in the past or recent, an injury to the tailbone, or coccyx is at the root of the problem. This injury can be caused by a single traumatic fall, or multiple, repetitive minor falls such as one might experience in skating or skiing, the impact from a front-end or rear-end car crash or even something as seemingly benign as a job that requires too much sitting.

Though easy to diagnose and correct, few doctors are trained to treat coccyx or tailbone injury. Many sufferers of coccydynia are mistakenly diagnosed or accused of being hypochondriacs, depressive, pain intolerant or hormonal, and go on untreated and living in pain for many years.

Dr. Foster is here to help you get past your pain. He has trained extensively with Dr. Chris Kemper, whose research and experience have established him as an expert in the treatment of this poorly-understood injury. Dr. Foster is the primary provider in Dr. Kemper’s Coccygeal Syndrome Network.

Why are Coccyx or Tailbone injuries so damaging to the spine?

A coccyx or tailbone injury causes abnormal tension on the spinal cord and weakens the pelvic floor muscles from 20 to 80%, leading to both joint and nerve symptoms. This happens because coccygeal movement is lost, causing tension to be exerted on the delicate spinal cord and spinal nerves. As a result muscle tension immediately increases, giving rise to pain in the Coccyx or Tailbone, pelvic floor, thighs and back, to name only a few known complications.

You may have been told that your Coccyx or Tailbone was fractured; in reality, the great flexibility of the tailbone makes fractures or dislocations very rare. Instead, ligaments are torn as a result of Coccyx or Tailbone injury. They become loaded up with scar tissue, further impeding normal coccygeal movement. As coccygeal motion is lost, the spinal cord and nerves become increasingly affected. Click here for more detailed information on Fractured or Dislocated Coccyx or Tailbone.

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

If you have pain related to your spine, low back or upper legs (or suffer migraines) and have not responded to other treatment modalities, whether or not you have suffered from a specific tailbone injury, you may actually be suffering from coccydynia. If so, Dr. Foster can help.

On your first visit, Dr. Foster will review your history, perform strength & flexibility testing to measure dural tension and perform a thorough physical examination. X-rays will be taken to evaluate alignment and you’ll be provided a clear report of findings and treatment recommendations, which include:

• Coccygeal manipulation with or without pain medication, depending upon the severity of the case. Several levels of sedation and analgesia may be provided as needed.
• Pelvic alignment, simple exercises and definitive advice on how to stay well.

Dr. Foster offers both on-going care and his 'Tailbone 911' intensive multi-day treatment program especially designed for people who must travel to Chico to receive care. Contact Dr. Foster at (530)877-6325 or email drfoster@fosteringwellness.com today to discuss your best option for treatment.