Coccydynia is pain related to the coccyx (tailbone). Characteristically, the pain is worsened when rising from a sitting position.

In both conditions, the pain is a spasm of the Levator Muscles, which support the rectum within the pelvis. The cause is unknown, but it is frequently associated with 1) Diarrhea, which increases anal muscle tone to prevent incontinence. 2) Straining to defecate and/or sitting for prolonged periods of time on the commode. 3) Chronic low back pain, and 4) Poor posture with the loss of the lumbar spine curvature (often occurring when driving or sitting for long period). The pain is not due to cancer, and with proper care the symptoms usually resolve in several weeks.

Treatment is directed at breaking the painful muscle spasm and preventing its recurrence. Treatment includes:

1. Control diarrhea (Immodium AD) or prevent constipation (Fiber supplements, stool softeners, prune juice).

2. Avoid straining to have a bowel movement.

3. Remove all newspapers and reading materials from the bathroom. The time spent sitting on the toilet should be minimal.

4. Warm Sitz/tub baths for 15-20 minutes.

5. Muscle relaxing medications (Advil, Valium, Elavil, Nitroglycerine ointment, Quinine Sulfate, etc)

6. Electrogalvanic stimulation (A low frequency oscillating current is applied to the muscles, inducing muscle activity to the point of fatigue, thereby breaking the spasm.