Studies have shown that non-surgical treatments are successful in over 90% of coccydynia cases

Many people suffer from pain around the Coccyx which can be extremely uncomfortable and in some cases develop into a chronic long term condition.

Inflammation of the muscles around the area of the coccyx is the most common cause, typically as a result of trauma such as falling and landing awkwardly on the pelvic area.

Numerous studies have shown that non-surgical treatments are successful in the majority of coccydynia cases with many studies putting the success rate at 90% or above.

Where non-surgical treatments and pain management methods are effective, it is accepted that prolonged use of these methods is a reasonable option.

For those rare cases in which the pain does not respond to non-surgical treatments, surgery on the coccyx may be have to be considered.

In most cases treatments for coccydynia are noninvasive. The best place to start would be some simple self-care of the type that you can perform safely without the assistance or direction of a healthcare or medical professional.

Self Help Treatment

Ice or cold pack. Try applying some ice well wrapped in a towel or a cold pack to the general coccyx area. Doing this up to several times a day can help reduce inflammation.
Heat or heating pad. Try applying a heat pack (or beanie) to the bottom of the spine. This can be a good way to help relieve any muscle tension which may be contributing to the coccyx pain. A hot bath can be kust as helpful but you do have to be careful to avoid putting pressure on the coccyx whilst you submerge in the hot water.
Modify behavior. Changes to every day activities can make a difference (over time) and help alleviate painful symptoms of coccyx inflammation. Try using a standing desk if you sit for too long at work every day or at the least think about using a pillow to help take some pressure off the coccyx. If you have to sit for your work, try experimenting with different posture positions to see if you can feel your way to positions that will provide more relief. Any type of pillow or sitting arrangement that keeps pressure off the coccyx is likely to make a difference.
Dietary changes. Coccyx pain is sometimes caused by or made worse with bowel movements or constipation. In such cases your doctor may recommend stool softening foods or medicines. Increasing the amount of fiber in your meals and drinking more water may be recommended.

Other treatment options to be considered

Manual manipulation. As mentioned above, many patients are able to successfully find pain relief through manual manipulation of the coccyx. Some therapists will be able to manipulate the joint between the sacrum and the coccyx in such a way as to potentially improve mobility of the coccyx and reduce painful symptoms.
Massage therapy. The painful symptoms of Coccydynia may be reduced or alleviated by a massage therapist treating any tight pelvic floor muscles. When these muscles get tense or shorter they may place additional pressure.
Stretching. Gently stretching the ligaments attached to the coccyx can be helpful in reducing muscle tension. Try to find a suitably trained healthcare practitioner to provide instruction on the best stretches for relieving coccyx pain and to help you create a stretching routine that is manageable for you.

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About Niel Asher Education

Niel Asher Education is a leading provider of distance learning and continued education courses.

Established in the United Kingdom in 1999, we provide course and distance learning material for therapists and other healthcare professionals in over 40 countries.

Our courses are accredited by over 90 professional associations and national accreditation institutions including the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Full details of all international course accreditations can be found on our website.

Printed course materials and other products offered on our websites are despatched worldwide from our 3 locations in the UK (London), USA (Pennsylvania) and Australia (Melbourne).

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NAMTPT AWARD

We are honored to have received the "Excellence in Education" Award from the National Association of Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists.

Since 1999 Niel Asher Education has won numerous awards for education and in particular for education and services provided in the field of trigger point therapy.

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Award Winning Instructors

Niel Asher Healthcare course instructors have won a host of prestigious awards including 2 lifetime achievement honorees - Stuart Hinds, Lifetime Achievement Honoree, AAMT, 2015, and Dr. Jonathan Kuttner, MD, Lifetime Achievement Honoree, NAMTPT, 2014.

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Accreditation

If you are a qualified/licensed manual therapist or exercise/fitness professional you can expand your credentials with NAT certification.

In addition to national accreditation for continued education, each course that we offer includes "NAT Learning Credits". By taking and completing courses you can accumulate NAT credits to qualify for NAT certification.

There are currently 3 levels of NAT certification. Certifying NAT is a valuable way to show your clients that you take continued education seriously, and to promote your skills and qualifications.

Most of our courses are accredited for CE/CPD/CPE. A full list of CE accreditations can be found by clicking on the link below.

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Niel Asher Technique

Since 1999 the Niel Asher Technique for treating trigger points has been adopted by over 100,000 therapists worldwide, and has been applied to the treatment of a number of common musculoskeletal injuries.

The Niel Asher Technique for treating frozen shoulder was first introduced and published in 1997 and has been widely adopted by therapists and exercise professionals working within elite sports and athletics.

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Most of our courses are available as either "Printed" or 'Download" editions, wherever you live. Internet connection is required to access online and downloadable material.

When you purchase a download edition, you receive immediate lifetime access to all course material. Course texts can be downloaded and printed if required.

When you purchase a "Printed" edition, you will also receive free access to the download edition.

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Where to Start?

We offer a range of over 50 courses, presented by some of the worlds leading manual therapists. All courses are reviewed annually, and new courses are regularly added.

Our courses are modular, and designed to build on what you already know. For more information, please visit our "Where to Start?" page.