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Can exercise worsen coccyx pain?

Fact Checked

The coccyx or tailbone can endure various disorders that can be aggravated while exercising. These conditions range from infections, bruises, tumors, cysts and bumps. The bone seldom breaks but often endures the impact of falls that results to bruising or torn ligaments that are attached to the bone.

Position

If the individual has coccydynia, the individual has to avoid engaging in exercises that add up pressure on the tailbone until it subsides. The exact cause of the coccyx pain is still unknown but typically occurs after a fall or other form of traumatic stress on the area such as delivering a baby. Certain exercises such as crunches that were performed on a mat or the floor can worsen the symptoms.

Avoidance

During recovery from coccyx pain and using anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen to minimize the swelling, the individual can perform crunches with a stability ball to help reduce the pressure.

The individual can sit on a cushion or pillow while the pain subsides. Exercises that are performed while standing such as running, walking or working out using an elliptical trainer will not worsen the pain and can be performed with minimal or no discomfort at all.

Preparation

Coccyx pain
If the individual has coccydynia, the individual has to avoid engaging in exercises that add up pressure on the tailbone until it subsides.

Coccyx pain is oftentimes linked to a malfunction on how the bones are set which results to an unstable tailbone. It is vital to strengthen the adjacent muscles to help prevent pain while exercising.

Lunges and squats are considered effective in strengthening in order to build up the gluteus, abductor and thigh muscles to stabilize the coccyx. This will help reduce the pain while exercising. Always bear in mind that flexibility is another way to prevent the pain. There are also strengthening exercises such as deep lunges that hold in position to reduce the amount of pain that the individual will experience.

Variations

There are various exercises that can worsen the coccyx pain that is due to a fall or other form of trauma. The coccyx pain can also be referred pain that results when there are other complications such as strained buttock muscles, weakened pelvic floor muscles or back pain.

Since the coccyx is linked to the pelvic floor, workouts that tug on the pelvis in a forward manner increase the pressure on the damaged tailbone. Once the pain still persists, a doctor should be consulted to rule out tumors as well as refrain from any activities that cause pain. It is recommended to modify the workout routine until the coccyx pain is resolved to prevent further damage from occurring.

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