Tailbone pain, orcoccydynia, occurs below your hips at the end of your spine.
It affects thecoccyx(tailbone).
Tailbone pain can result from causes that range from prolonged sitting to injuries and falls.
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While uncommon, it can also involve tailbone cancer.
Most causes of tailbone pain can be relieved with home treatment.
However, pain that persists may require medical treatments such as injections or surgery.
Pain related to cancer involves treatment to counter the effects of malignant cells.
It typically causes tenderness and discomfort that often feels achy and dull.
Occasional sharp pain may also occur.
Tailbone pain can last from a few days to a few months.
It can interfere with your ability to perform daily activities.
Tailbone pain can also disrupt normal, restful sleep.
Your tailbone is attached to the bottom of your sacrum.
Dysfunction or inflammation of the sacroiliac joints can radiate to your tailbone, causing pain.
When Is Tailbone Pain a Cancer Symptom?
Though rare, tailbone pain can be a sign of some types of cancer.
These cancers typically develop near your tailbone.
They can also involve cancer that has metastasized (spread) from another part of your body.
Research indicates that conservative treatment is successful in treating 90% oftailbone pain.
This procedure, called a coccygectomy, is reserved as a last resort for extreme cases.
Summary
Tailbone pain can hamper your ability to perform daily routines.
It can prevent you from normal sitting, standing, and movement.
While it can affect your quality of life, it is often a short-term problem.
Rarely tailbone pain can be a symptom of a more severe issue, such as cancer.
Tailbone pain brought on by cancer can result from a primary tumor at the site.
Contact your healthcare provider for tailbone pain that does not resolve with conservative home treatments.
If cancer is involved, getting a prompt diagnosis can help you achieve the best outcomes.
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