When you embark on the journey of pregnancy, you brace yourself for numerous unpleasant and uncomfortable experiences during labor and delivery. You hear the stories: the potential for vomiting, the agony of back labor, the possibility of pooping while pushing, and the likelihood of tearing or requiring an episiotomy. Most daunting of all is the anticipation of what’s described as “the most excruciating pain of your life.”
One unexpected consequence of labor was a painful injury to my tailbone. (Can you pronounce coccyx correctly? I bet you can’t!) After delivery, everything between my legs felt like a searing nightmare, but the tailbone pain lingered long after the usual postpartum discomfort faded. Sitting in various positions—whether slouching, leaning back, or even lying down—sent sharp jolts of pain up my spine. As a new mom, I found myself in these positions frequently during lengthy nursing, pumping sessions, and attempts to catch some sleep. Even simple actions like sneezing or laughing felt like a shock to my system, which gave a whole new meaning to the phrase “laughing my ass off.”
Turning to the internet for answers, I discovered that tailbone pain is a relatively common issue among new mothers. However, instead of finding relief, my search revealed horror stories of women suffering for months or even years. I was terrified that I would be trapped in this painful condition indefinitely.
At my six-week postpartum appointment, I finally broached the subject with my doctor. To my relief, she suggested, “I’m going to refer you to postpartum physical therapy.”
“Is that really a thing?” I asked, both surprised and hopeful.
It turns out, it is indeed a thing. According to Lucie’s List, the pelvic floor comprises a group of muscles that stretch from the pubic bone to the tailbone, forming a supportive hammock for our vital organs. During childbirth, this area can stretch significantly, leading to weakness in the muscles. In fact, pelvic floor dysfunction affects nearly half of all women after giving birth.
As described by The Bump, pelvic floor therapy can include treatment for pelvic pain, urinary issues, and bowel symptoms, often employing manual techniques, neuromuscular re-education, and postural adjustments. I initially thought my physical therapy appointment would solely focus on my tailbone pain, but it turned out to be a comprehensive assessment. Pregnancy and labor wreak havoc on your body, affecting everything from bowel movements to mobility and even intimacy.
My physical therapist conducted a thorough examination, assessing my spine and hip alignment, posture, abdomen, and pelvic floor. It was a relief to rule out other pregnancy-related issues, such as diastasis recti, a common condition involving the separation of abdominal muscles.
When we finally addressed the tailbone, I was reminded of that episode of Friends where Joey faces a dilemma with kidney stones. The options presented for tailbone recovery are somewhat similar: endure a therapist applying counter-pressure internally to help realign the bone or… well, that’s pretty much the best option available. Although uncomfortable, I was desperate for relief.
During the examination, my therapist discovered that my tailbone was tilted inward. I had assumed it was displaced outward due to the pressure of childbirth, but she explained that it likely became pulled inward during the pushing stage when my legs were curled up. After the realignment treatment, the pain was still present but significantly less intense.
My therapist prescribed some exercises—kegels, to be specific. Skeptical, I questioned how they could help my tailbone. She clarified that kegels strengthen the entire pelvic floor region, alleviating pressure and preventing future injuries.
The primary advice for my tailbone pain was to minimize the time spent sitting directly on it. I expressed my concern about this as a new mom, constantly nursing or trying to rest. She suggested some practical adjustments to manage the discomfort:
- Elevate your tailbone while sitting using a backward Boppy, a neck pillow, or a kneeler pad with a cut-out. The Tush Cush is another option designed for this purpose, though a DIY solution works just as well.
- Apply a heating pad to the area during nursing or while lying down.
- Choose firm seating over softer surfaces, which can cause you to sink and increase discomfort.
- Maintain an upright posture or lean forward instead of slouching, which creates more pressure.
Following this guidance, I made changes to my routine. I carried rolled-up towels with me and utilized heating pads, which led to a gradual decrease in discomfort over time. It took about fifteen weeks before I noticed a significant reduction in pain, and even now, ten months postpartum, I occasionally feel a dull ache if I sit incorrectly—a reminder that our bodies never completely revert to their pre-baby state.
While discussing potential postpartum issues might not be what every expectant mother wants to hear, the reality is that labor can lead to unpredictable changes in your body. For any new moms grappling with similar challenges, consider these tips or reach out to a pelvic floor specialist. You deserve to find relief from discomfort in your journey through motherhood.
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Summary
Pelvic floor therapy proved to be a crucial intervention for dealing with unexpected tailbone pain after childbirth. Through assessment and treatment, I learned how to alleviate discomfort and strengthen my pelvic floor, enabling a smoother recovery. If you’re facing similar challenges, seeking professional help is key to reclaiming your well-being as a new mother.