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The coccyx, or tailbone, is the bone at the bottom end of your spine. Coccyx pain (known as coccydynia) can be the result of a fall, a fracture, a dislocation, childbirth, tumors or have no identifiable cause. Tailbone pain can be severe and limit an individual’s ability to sit, walk, work and function in his daily life. One way to alleviate coccyx pain is to use a coccyx cushion. Designed specifically for the tailbone, this cushion is made of gel or heavy-duty foam-form, with a cutout at the back to relieve pressure on the tailbone or spine. [1] X Research source
Steps
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Use the cushion everywhere. Coccyx cushion treatment will be most effective if you can use the cushion in the car, at home, at work and everywhere else you need to sit down. You can purchase several inexpensive cushions or opt for one that can travel with you and be used everywhere. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Consistency is key to treating your tailbone pain with a coccyx cushion.
- Be aware that one cushion may not be suitable for all scenarios. For example, a cushion may help while you are sitting at your desk, but it may not be as effective while you are driving. Try using a cushion in different situations to see when it provides the most benefit.
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Sit in a chair with a back. Use the coccyx cushion in a chair with a back that will give you extra support. The cushion naturally helps improve your posture by slightly elevating your hips, and sitting in a chair with a back will help you sit up straight and eliminate pressure on your spine and pelvis. [3] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- When using a cushion on a chair that is a comfortable height for you, your thighs may be slightly higher than usual. To offset this difference, try using a footstool to make sure your lower body is still in a comfortable position. If the chair is adjustable, then you can also adjust the height of the seat to make yourself more comfortable.
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Place the coccyx cushion directly on the seat. Do not use a coccyx cushion with other cushions. Adding extra pillows or cushions will cause you to sit unevenly and in turn, distribute your weight and pressure unevenly, which is unhealthy for your back. The placement of the cushion on the seat can either be flat or slightly sloping. This is most people's preference. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- If you need extra height, purchase a thicker coccyx cushion instead of adding extra pillows or padding.
- If you are putting the cushion on a very soft seat, like couch or plush chair, put a rigid board under the cushion for support.
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Add ice packs or hot packs for added relief. You can add flat ice or hot packs to your coccyx cushions for hot or cold therapy. Wrap the packs in towels and place one on either side of the cut-out area in the cushion. [5] X Research source
- Some cushions may come with gel insert that you can warm up or freeze before reinserting them and using the cushion.
- Consult with your physician about whether the effects of ice or hot packs would be beneficial for you.
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Keep the cushion clean. Try to get a coccyx cushion with a removable cover that can be machine washed. This will help you keep your cushion is clean and sanitary.
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Upgrade your cushion if necessary. If the coccyx cushion isn't providing sufficient relief to your tailbone pain, then try a different one.
- For example, you use a coccyx cushion that is made of soft foam and find that it’s not alleviating the pain, upgrade to a cushion made of firmer, denser foam for more support. Cushioning is an individual need, so your cushion needs will be unique.
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Know what a coccyx cushion is and does. A coccyx cushion (sometimes called a wedge cushion) is a U-or V-shaped pillow that protects the coccyx from uncomfortable pressure. Some cushions are also formed as a wedge. The U- or V-shape, in comparison with the circular doughnut cushions, often provide more comfort for people with tailbone pain. These cushions can also be used to provide comfort for those with hemorrhoids (piles) pain, prostate disorders, pilonidal cysts or degenerative bone disease. [6] X Research source
- Doctors frequently recommend that patients use a coccyx cushion after back surgery to reduce pressure on the spinal column and tailbone.
- Coccyx cushions are also often used to help relieve pain from other chronic pain conditions and inflammatory pain or to relieve pressure on the back and pelvic area during pregnancy.
- Coccyx cushions differ from ring or doughnut cushions, which have a hole in the middle, and help reduce pressure on the anal and prostate region in cases of hemorrhoids and swollen prostate. [7] X Research source
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Buy a coccyx cushion. You can buy a coccyx cushion at a local surgical supply store or pharmacy. You can also search online using terms like “coccyx cushion”, “tailbone cushion” and “tailbone wedge cushion”. Online sources can be less expensive, but the advantage to using a local dealer is that you can try different cushions to see which might work best for you. [8] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
- Do some research in advance. There are multiple things to consider when buying a coccyx cushion. Some are softer and thicker than others, some are inflatable, and others have washable covers. There are also cushions using different materials as padding and some may be more comfortable for you than others. Some of the materials used are memory foams, gels, semi-liquid gels, or other materials. Talk to your physician or orthopedic specialist to see if they have specific recommendations.
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Consider making your own coccyx cushion. If you cannot find a comfortable option in stores, then you can try making your own coccyx cushion. Most coccyx cushions are just regular cushions with a small opening on one side. You can get a large piece of memory foam or a memory foam pillow and cut out a small wedge on one side.
- Other creative options include duct taping together segments of a pool noodle, using a neck pillow, or filling a long sock with rice and bending it into a "U" shape.
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Choose a cushion that feels comfortable. Coccyx cushions are made in varying levels of thickness and firmness and it’s important that you select a coccyx cushion that’s comfortable for you. Squeeze the cushion in your hand to feel how firm it is. This will give you an idea of how it will feel to sit on the cushion and how much support it will give you. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Coccyx cushions are also made with gel inserts. Gel inserts can help provide a softer form of cushioning and will conform better to the particular contours of your body. Some gel inserts in coccyx cushions can be removed to be warmed or frozen for hot or cold therapy.
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Try coccyx cushions with and without the cut-out. Some coccyx cushions are U-shaped and have a cut-out area to help relieve pressure on the spine and tailbone. Many people find more relief with these cushions, so try the solid ring cushions and the cut-out version to determine which kind is better for your needs. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Make sure your coccyx cushion is the appropriate thickness. Coccyx cushions can be anywhere from 3 to 7 inches (7.6 to 17.8 cm) thick. Most people use the 3-inch thickness, but a thicker cushion can be beneficial to heavier users.
- Ask your physician or the local dealer about what size thickness is ideal for you, given your particular body type.
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Tips
- Tailbone pain can occur at any age, but the elderly are at higher risk, especially if they have any degenerative bone disease. Women also appear to be at higher risk for tailbone pain. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceThanks
- Using the coccyx cushion all the time and any ice- or hot- packs as recommended by your physician should speed your recovery and give you relief from tailbone pain as quickly as possible.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/treatment-coccydynia-tailbone-pain
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10436-coccydynia-tailbone-pain
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/guidetogoodposture.html
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tailbone-coccyx-pain/
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ut2021
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ud1334
- ↑ https://utswmed.org/medblog/tailbone-pain-during-pregnancy/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000573.htm
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563139/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To use a coccyx cushion, start by placing it on the seat of a chair with a back to give you extra support. Make sure the cushion is directly on the seat, since extra cushions or pillows will cause you to sit unevenly. For added relief, you can try adding ice packs or hot packs by wrapping them in towels and placing one on either side of the cut-out area in the cushion. If these methods fail to give your tailbone sufficient relief, consider upgrading to a firmer, denser cushion. For more advice, including how to make your own coccyx cushion, keep reading.
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Reader Success Stories
- "I'm an RN and have a patient with severe pain in the coccyx/anal region. She does not actually have her tailbone and has very painful internal hemorrhoids. Working with OT to find relief for her as oral medications and rectal creams etc not doing much for the cause. Therapy goes in with positioning I mind and nursing with pain relief. This article provides the information and rationalization regarding this type of cushioning. Puts it in enough layman's terms so that the patient understands. Thanks!" ..." more
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"I'm an RN and have a patient with severe pain in the coccyx/anal region. She does not actually have her tailbone and has very painful internal hemorrhoids. Working with OT to find relief for her as oral medications and rectal creams etc not doing much for the cause. Therapy goes in with positioning I mind and nursing with pain relief. This article provides the information and rationalization regarding this type of cushioning. Puts it in enough layman's terms so that the patient understands. Thanks!"
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"I was given one of these pillows and never knew which end went where. I always assumed that the opening in the wedge was for your legs but it is instead for the coccyx bone to relieve pressure and align the spine while sitting. Thank you for helping figure which way the wedge went on my seat to help with my back!"
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"You were very helpful by explaining in everyday language. So aggravating to go to doctors and walk out not knowing a word they said because I don't have my medical or PhD degree. I have been in pain for so long I've just about given up."
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"It is so helpful to read that coccyx cushions should not be used with other cushions underneath, as they might cause further back discomfort. Good to know of removable covers, too."
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"There were so many conflicting suggestions on which way the cushion went. This explains the reason why it should be used the 'correct' way in a way that makes sense. Thank you."
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