There are several reasons why you may have a protruding tailbone, some are ok, but some are serious.
Read on to find out why.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Genetics, a bent spine, or simply having a longer tailbone can both cause a projecting tailbone.
✅ It’s not a serious condition if there are no symptoms present.
✅ If you’re experiencing pain it’s recommended to visit a doctor
Your spine’s base has a little bony structure called the tailbone, or coccyx. It has three to five segments that come together to form a triangle.
The tailbone is a crucial component despite its tiny size. Numerous ligaments, tendons, and muscles, including those that support the pelvic floor and regulate bowel movements, link to it at this location. In addition, the tailbone supports you when you’re sitting.
In humans, a real tail serves as the origin of the tailbone. A human embryo has a tail with 10 to 12 vertebrae throughout the first 4 to 6 weeks of development. The tailbone is formed when the vertebrae fuse together at 8 weeks.
It was widely believed that the tailbone was made up of just one bone before the invention of MRI imaging. Since then, it has been discovered that there are usually three to five segments in the coccyx. Despite the fact that this differs from person to person, trusted source
Like other bones, a tailbone’s size can vary from person to person. The length of each individual’s tailbone may vary. Following weight loss or an injury, the tailbone may also appear to protrude.
Typically, a projecting tailbone is not a medical concern. You could need therapy if it results in symptoms like pain, though.
What are the symptoms of a protruding tailbone?
A protruding tailbone could cause the following symptoms. A noticeable, hard lump above the butt; discomfort when sitting or lying down, lower back pain, and localized edema. A projecting tailbone may or may not have any symptoms, depending on the underlying cause.
What can make a tailbone protrude?
A protruding tailbone could be caused by a variety of factors. Potential circumstances include:
A serious injury causing a misalignment of the tailbone
The tailbone can be misaligned or dislocated by severe physical trauma. The tailbone might protrude as a result of this. Most accidents that result in tailbone misalignment involve tripping and landing on your bottom. They also use a great deal of physical power.
These injuries include slipping backward on stairs and falling backward on a hard surface (such as the floor or slipping on icy pavement).
Tailbone misalignment is more likely to occur with more serious injuries, otherwise, you should typically only get mild discomfort and bruising.
Rapid loss of weight
There are anecdotal instances of rapid weight reduction diminishing the cushioning surrounding the tailbone, according to a 2014 study. The tailbone could appear to be sticking out as a result of this.
Genetics
Genes may play a role in some persons. You might be born with a protruding tailbone if your parents do.
Hyperlordosis
When the lower spine folds inward too far, it is said to have hyperlordosis. Your pelvis is pushed back and up as a result, which may cause your tailbone to protrude. The stomach also turns outward as a result of the disorder. Hyperlordosis may be brought on by simple genetics, or a previous injury, poor posture, spinal conditions, or spine surgery.
Protrusion post childbirth
The extra weight of the developing baby puts strain on the tailbone during pregnancy. The area may experience pain and discomfort as a result. The tailbone stretches out just before giving birth. The muscles and ligaments associated with the tailbone can stretch during you give birth thanks to the enhanced flexibility.
These muscles and ligaments may swell after giving birth. You might experience discomfort and swelling as a result, which would highlight your tailbone. A projecting tailbone can result from bone fractures or dislocations caused by delivery.
Do I require medical attention if my tailbone protrudes?
You usually don’t need treatment if your tailbone protrudes and isn’t producing any problems.
You could require treatment if you:
- protruding tailbone after injury
- symptoms that do not improve with home remedies
- persistent or worsening pain
- severe swelling; numbness in one or both legs
- difficulty sitting or lying down
- pain that makes it difficult to perform daily activities
- trouble passing bowel movements
- persistent or worsening pain
- if you have a fever
How is a tailbone that protrudes treated?
The course of treatment will depend on what caused the protruding tailbone. Options consist of:
Stretching
Stretching might help with the problems brought on by a protruding tailbone.
Stretches for the tailbone in particular can aid with better spinal alignment. Stretches can ease the tension on the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that are connected to the tailbone.
See a Physical therapist
Your doctor might suggest that you see a physical therapist if stretching at home is ineffective in treating your symptoms.
A physical therapist can: massage your tailbone to ease pain; instruct you in stretches and exercises to straighten your spine; and suggest movement patterns to ease tailbone discomfort.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers that can be injected into the skin are compounds that resemble gel. When injected in the vicinity, they may help conceal a protruding tailbone. They are not appropriate for everyone, though. Additionally, no evidence supports the use of dermal fillers to conceal projecting tailbones.
More invasive procedures
There are more intrusive therapies for tailbone protrusion that causes severe pain, such as cutaneous fat transplants to bolster the surrounding area. Coccygectomy, which entails either partial or complete removal of the tailbone, is an additional choice. However, these procedures may result in a number of post-operative problems, such as:
- persistent pain
- prolapse of the pelvic floor
- infection
If you’re interested in these choices, consult a physician to determine whether they are appropriate for you.
In conclusion
Genetics, a bent spine, or simply having a longer tailbone can all cause a projecting tailbone. It’s not an emergency if there are no symptoms present. However, it’s recommended to contact a doctor if your tailbone protrudes and is painful. They are able to identify the problem and suggest remedies.
Additionally, if your tailbone protrudes after giving birth or suffering an accident, you should seek medical attention.