Chronic pain in the coccyx, or tailbone, is a condition that can be debilitating for those who suffer from it. The coccyx, a small triangular bone at the base of your spine, plays a crucial role in supporting your body when sitting. However, injuries or conditions affecting the coccyx can lead to persistent discomfort that interferes with daily activities. For individuals who have exhausted other treatment options without relief, a surgical procedure known as a coccygectomy, or tailbone removal surgery, may be recommended.
What Exactly is a Coccygectomy?
A coccygectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the coccyx, commonly known as the tailbone. The tailbone is the last segment of the vertebral column and consists of three to five small vertebrae fused together. Although small, the coccyx serves as an attachment point for ligaments, tendons, and muscles that assist with sitting, stabilizing your pelvis, and supporting bowel movements.
The decision to undergo tailbone removal surgery is usually made after all other conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and injections, have failed to alleviate the pain in the coccyx. This surgery is considered a last resort for individuals suffering from chronic tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia.
Why is a Coccygectomy Performed?
Tailbone removal surgery is primarily performed to relieve chronic pain in the coccyx, which can be caused by various factors, including:
1. Trauma or Injury
One of the most common reasons for coccyx pain is trauma, often caused by falls, direct blows to the area, or prolonged pressure on the tailbone (such as sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods). These injuries can lead to inflammation, bruising, or fractures in the coccyx, which, in some cases, result in chronic pain that persists for months or even years.
2. Repetitive Strain
Activities that involve prolonged sitting or repetitive motion, such as cycling or rowing, can place stress on the coccyx and lead to inflammation or injury. This can result in coccydynia, where the pain may worsen over time if left untreated.
3. Hypermobile or Misaligned Coccyx
In some individuals, the coccyx is more mobile than normal, or it may be misaligned due to a previous injury. This can cause persistent discomfort and pain, particularly when sitting or moving from a sitting to standing position.
4. Bone Spurs or Tumors
Occasionally, bone spurs (bony projections) or tumors can develop on the coccyx, leading to irritation and pain. In these cases, removing the tailbone through surgery may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
5. Degenerative Changes
Like other parts of the spine, the coccyx can undergo degenerative changes over time, like those seen with arthritis. These changes can contribute to pain and discomfort, especially when sitting.
Who Can Benefit from a Coccygectomy?
For patients who have tried non-surgical treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or ergonomic adjustments without experiencing significant relief, tailbone removal surgery may be considered as a treatment option.
A coccygectomy is not a first-line treatment for pain in the coccyx, but it is an option for patients who have not responded to other therapies. Patients with chronic tailbone pain, especially those whose pain worsens when sitting or who have conditions like bone spurs or fractures, are potential candidates for this surgery. For those who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments, tailbone removal surgery can offer significant pain reduction and improve quality of life. At ISSI, we evaluate each case individually to ensure that tailbone removal surgery is the best solution for our patients.
How is a Coccygectomy Performed?
A coccygectomy is generally a straightforward procedure, where the damaged or broken tailbone is surgically removed. The coccyx is considered vestigial, meaning it no longer serves a necessary function in the body.
At International Spine & Sports Institute, our outpatient coccygectomy is completed in about an hour. By utilizing the latest minimally invasive techniques, our surgeons carefully move the surrounding muscles and tissues instead of cutting them, which significantly reduces trauma, pain, and bleeding during the procedure.
If you’ve been experiencing long-term or chronic tailbone pain, International Spine & Sports Institute, under the leadership of Dr. Scott Katzman, is one of the few practices in the U.S. specializing in the treatment of painful coccyx fractures. At ISSI, we’re proud to hold a 99% success rate and are ranked #1 in the country. Through our simple and effective tailbone removal surgery, our surgeons have successfully treated and resolved more coccyx-related pain than any other center