Orthopedics-Online

Periosteum inflammation on the coccyx

Definition - What is periosteum inflammation on the tailbone?

Periosteum inflammation of the coccyx is an inflammatory change in the so-called Periosteum. The Periosteum is part of the outermost bone layer and the part of the bone that is sensitive to pain. This periosteum covers every bone in the human body and is traversed by both fine nerves and small blood vessels.

In the case of inflammation, the nerves of the periosteum are particularly permanently irritated and transmit a pain impulse to the brain. The inflammation can either be caused by an injury to the coccyx or the spread of pathogens within the body - usually via the blood - to an inflammation of the coccyx.

Read more on the topic: Tailbone inflammation

Urachen

There are no real tangible or reliably proven causes for the development of periosteum inflammation on the coccyx. As a rule, however, overloading the bone or the joint can cause such an inflammation. Every person is also different in the anatomical shape of the coccyx, so that some people are more susceptible than others.

Furthermore, a “bad” sitting posture during sedentary activities or sedentary stress such as riding in a bad saddle can cause such a disease. In addition, falls on the tailbone play a role that should not be despised. In most cases, however, the cause can no longer really be reconstructed. The doctor then speaks of one in such cases idiopathic Periosteum inflammation.

Periosteum inflammation on the coccyx due to an accident / fall

An accident or fall combines two components that could encourage inflammation. For one thing, it usually causes a hematoma. So a bleeding under the skin, which can be recognized as a "bruise". So there is an increased influx of blood into the damaged tissue. In the worst case, pathogens can also come along, which then nestle in the damaged periosteum and cause inflammation.

Read more on the topic: Bone Bruise - How Dangerous Is It?

The second component is an open wound. If the skin over the tailbone is damaged, this forms a possible entry point for pathogens from outside. As a rule, the body's immune system can eliminate these pathogens. If it does not work, however, they can work their way up to the periosteum and “nest” there.

Read more on the topic:

First aid for wounds
Inflammation of a wound - you have to pay attention to this!

Appointment with ?

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)

In order to be able to treat successfully in orthopedics, a thorough examination, diagnosis and a medical history are required.
In our very economic world in particular, there is too little time to thoroughly grasp the complex diseases of orthopedics and thus initiate targeted treatment.
I don't want to join the ranks of "quick knife pullers".
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You will find me:

Lumedis - orthopedic surgeons
Kaiserstrasse 14
60311 Frankfurt am Main

You can make an appointment here.
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
For more information about myself, see Lumedis - Orthopedists.

Periosteum inflammation on the coccyx due to pregnancy / childbirth

Periosteum inflammation on the coccyx that was caused by childbirth is an absolute rarity. It is conceivable that during a difficult birth an injury to the pubic region occurs, into which pathogens can penetrate. However, this constellation is very unlikely in Western hospitals where a high standard of hygiene is maintained during childbirth. The chances of breaking your tailbone during childbirth, for example, are much higher than getting a periosteum inflammation.

Read more on the topic: Bed sicknesses

You can recognize periostitis on the tailbone by these symptoms

The most typical, but at the same time also the least obvious, sign is pain in the tailbone. As a rule, these become larger with stress and ebb again when at rest. From the outside, the area around the poritz may appear slightly reddened. In addition, the pain can be provoked by pressing on the tailbone. The attending physician can still find increased inflammation parameters in the blood count.

Tailbone pain

As already indicated, the pains are typical of periosteum inflammation on the coccyx; but unfortunately also present in almost every coccyx disease. The pain is more stabbing than dull and can be triggered at will by pressing on the coccyx. The pain intensity is not yet fully developed at the beginning but gets worse as the disease progresses. While physical movement or stress on the coccyx increases the pain, relief - such as lying on the stomach with relaxed buttocks for example - reduces pain.

You might also be interested in these topics:

ISG blocking
Sacroiliitis
SI joint osteoarthritis

diagnosis

For the attending physician, the diagnosis results in most cases as a combination of anamnesis, physical findings and, in the case of periostitis on the coccyx, also on the basis of blood values.
In the anamnesis, the patient will typically report an overstressing of the coccyx or a fall on it. Furthermore, the pain on the tailbone can be provoked by pressure and, according to the patient, is typically stronger under stress. The person's blood should also show an increase in inflammatory cells and an increased CRP. This combination should make the doctor think of an inflammatory process localized in the coccyx.

Treatment / therapy

The treatment of periosteum inflammation on the coccyx is determined by several components, just like all other periostitis. This primarily includes the physical protection of the inflamed area. This fact is decisive for the duration of the illness.

Continue to bring in most cases anti-inflammatory Means a relief of the inflammation and with it the pain. Ibuprofen is usually chosen for this. In particularly bad cases, cortisone may also have to be used. In support of this, the affected person can cool the coccyx region superficially in order to dampen the inflammatory reaction somewhat.

Read more on the topic: This is how long periosteum inflammation lasts

When do you need cortisone?

Cortisone is a so-called immune modulator and is used to suppress the immune system. It is used in connection with periosteum inflammation when treatment with anti-inflammatory agents - such as ibuprofen, for example - is no longer sufficient or the pain increases significantly.

However, cortisone represents the highest "escalation level" of drug therapy. Corstison should only be used when anti-inflammatory agents are no longer effective. It should also be noted that cortisone treatment should only be carried out in consultation with a doctor, as improper use can result in long-term side effects.

Read more on the topic:

Side effects of cortisone
Stopping cortisone - how and why do you sneak out cortisone?

Seat ring

A seat ring is an effective way to reduce stress on the tailbone. The stress on this part of the spine is particularly great when sitting. A seat ring is also used to improve wound healing in the event of a massive injury to the coccyx due to a fall or accident. The wound surface is thus spared and is usually resilient again sooner.

homeopathy

The homeopathic pharmacy also offers some remedies to combat inflammation of the periosteum of the coccyx. From a conventional medical point of view, however, homeopathy is always considered a supplement and not the main treatment path. The homeopathic drug Echinacea D1, for example, is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect. But regardless of whether homeopathic or conventional medical drugs are used, the physical protection of the coccyx is the factor that is most crucial for healing.

Pelvic exercises

Pelvic exercises or exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles are primarily known to prevent unwanted incontinence - especially in older women. To what extent they have a positive influence on the healing of periosteum inflammation on the coccyx is questionable. It is more likely that the stresses that occur during the exercises could be a hindrance. The muscles of the pelvic floor only touch the tailbone, but the execution of the exercise increases the load on the entire pelvis or the tailbone. It is therefore more advisable to pause the exercises and wait for a healing to occur than to postpone the healing through the pelvic floor exercises.

Read more on the topic:

Bladder weakness
Pelvic floor training

Healing time

General statements about the duration of healing are always difficult to make, as it depends on a large number of factors.For example, the physical protection of the affected bone - in this case the coccyx - is the decisive point for the duration of the healing process. If the patient succeeds in adhering to this restraint, a rough guide value of 4 to 6 weeks healing time can be assumed. Anti-inflammatory drugs can even reduce this period to less than 4 weeks.
However, if the physical restraint is not observed, the inflammation can drag on for up to three, if not six months.