How to Manage Tailbone Pain a Year After Childbirth

Tailbone pain is quite prevalent postnatally, after delivery, and sometimes for a while after childbirth. Surprisingly, it is not a normal part of the postnatal phase, and you don’t have to bear it your entire life. The medical term for tailbone pain is coccydynia. This pain is generally felt on the tip of the tailbone and is caused when you simply sit down or sit for a long time. The sensation of the pain can be different based on what causes it. In this article, we will explain what tailbone pain is exactly, its cause, and how you can manage it.

What is Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia)?

“Coccydynia” is made up of two words: “coccyx” (tailbone) and “dynia” (pain). Your tailbone is located at the lowest part of your spine, and it comprises 3 to 5 connected vertebrae (bones). It is responsible for many functions in your body. For example, when you sit down, it helps you relax and support your body weight.

It is the area where many muscles, tendons, and ligaments connect in your body. But when your coccyx hurts, the real pain begins, and it may mess up your daily activities and your lifestyle. Moreover, tailbone pain is 5 times more common in females than in males. It targets adolescents and adults more than children.

Most Common Symptoms

The symptoms of tailbone pain are:

● Mild (achy) or severe (piercing) tailbone pain.

● It is often seen that the pain gets worse when you try to stand from a sitting position.

● Pain appears when you poop.

● Pain while having sex.

Many females and males may also notice these other related symptoms that may emerge with tailbone pain:

● Sleep disorders

● Depression

● Back Pain

● Sciatica

● Anxiety

Causes of Tailbone Pain

There are many reasons why you might develop tailbone pain. Possible tailbone pain causes include:

● Accidental Falls: A nasty fall can bruise, crack (fracture), or dislocate your tailbone.

● Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): In many sports and jobs, a person has to lean back and forth multiple times. Excessive repeated motion of this can put pressure on the tissues near your tailbone.

● Pregnancy or Childbirth: During the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, your body releases hormones that loosen the area between your tailbone and sacrum (the part of the pelvis that lies above the tailbone). This gives your tailbone an additional range of motion during childbirth. It’s a natural process, and it’s okay at this point. But in some cases, this can stretch the ligaments and stretch your tailbone too much, which results in extreme pain. The strain on these soft tissues prevents them from supporting your tailbone at the right angle.

● Overweight: Extra pounds of weight can exert pressure on your tailbone. This can make your tailbone curve backwards, which leads to pain.

● Underweight: A lower fat percentage in your body means less support in your butt. In the absence of this cushion, your tailbone could cause inflammation by rubbing against your tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

● Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for a long duration can put too much strain on your tailbone, especially if you sit on rough or hard surfaces.

Management of Tailbone Pain Year After Childbirth

Tailbone pain can be managed based on the cause and the intensity of your pain. There are various home remedies and recommended nonsurgical or surgical treatments for mothers.

Home Remedies for Tailbone Pain

In 90% of cases, females with tailbone pain get better using simple home remedies. Here are a few methods you can try:

● Use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce swelling and pain, but do consult with your doctor first.

● Sit on a donut-shaped pillow or a wedge cushion to reduce pressure on your tailbone.

● Take a hot bath to relax tight muscles and alleviate pain.

● Place hot or cold packs on your lower back for 20 to 30 minutes, a couple of times a day.

● Take stool softeners if you are facing pain during bowel movements.

● Wear the Lovemere Postpartum Tummy Wrap Binder. It flatters and helps to regain your pre-baby shape. It offers compression for the belly, waist, and hips with minimal stretch marks. It also provides excellent support to your back and core muscles.

Nonsurgical Treatments for Tailbone Pain

If home remedies aren’t working, or if your symptoms return, your healthcare provider may suggest nonsurgical treatments, such as:

● Coccygeal nerve block (injection of anesthetics and steroids to calm pain and inflammation).

● Massage therapy (usually helps only for short-term relief).

● Physical therapy for muscle stretches and posture correction.

● Acupuncture.

● TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation).

Surgical Treatments for Tailbone Pain

In very rare cases, your provider might suggest:

● Partial coccygectomy (removal of a portion of the coccyx).

● Total coccygectomy (removal of the entire coccyx).

To Conclude

Healing from tailbone pain after childbirth takes time, and it’s all right if the recovery process is slower than you expected. You should be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and ask for help when you need it. Small changes—like better posture, gentle stretches, or supportive essentials like nursing bras—can make a huge difference. Lovemere helps mothers with their postpartum tummy wrap binder. It offers comfort and support in the recovery phase. Remember, your body has gone through something remarkable, which is childbirth. Now, it deserves patience, care, and the time to heal fully.