The tailbone, more properly known as the coccyx, is situated at the very end of the spinal column. The tailbone is made up of three to five fused vertebral bones, though four is most common. The tailbone derived its name because some people believe it is a “leftover” part from human evolution, though the notion that the tailbone serves no purpose is wrong. The coccyx is an extremely important source of attachment for tendons, ligaments, and muscles, though it is structured quite differently than other parts of the spine.
The tailbone, or coccyx, is the last of five regions of the spine – below the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (middle back), lumbar spine (lower back), and sacrum (lower back). The tailbone connects to the sacrum via a cartilaginous joint called the sacrococcygeal symphysis. Interestingly, this joint is similar in composition to the spine’s intervertebral discs.
Muscles that attach to the tailbone and contribute to sitting, standing, and bowel control include:
- Gluteus maximus – large gluteal muscle; helps keep body erect
- Levator ani – thin muscle; helps support organs of the pelvis
- Sphincter ani externus – flat muscle; assists in bowel function
- Coccygeus – triangular muscle; supports the pelvic floor
The tailbone is referred to as the cocygeal region and the bones diminish in size as they go down. Unlike the vertebral bones in most other spinal regions, the tailbone has no spinous processes, pedicles, or laminae. Any pain that is felt in the coccyx is referred to as “coccydynia.” Sometimes, pain that is felt in the region of the tailbone is due to damage or injury in other parts of the spine. For instance, radicular, or radiating pain, that is felt shooting down the legs could be from foraminal stenosis in the lumbar spine, a condition that involves the narrowing of the foramen, or open spaces between the vertebrae through which nerve roots travel. If these spaces become narrow, increased stress is put on the nerves, which could contribute to symptoms of traveling pain, numbness, and tingling. Other consequences could include a loss of ability to move properly. Needless to say, because the tailbone does support so much weight, injuries in this area transfer large amounts of increased stress to other areas of the spine, thereby making them more prone to damage.
If you are experiencing pain in your tailbone and your doctor has diagnosed you with a condition such as lumbar foraminal stenosis, he or she may recommend a conventional treatment regimen, including rest, physical therapy, pain medication, or steroid injections. If these temporary forms of relief do not prove effective, you may want to consider a progressive, endoscopic procedure that could help you rediscover a life without pain. The experts at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) can give you more information about our minimally-invasive, outpatient procedures. Contact us today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.
