Coccydenia- A Systematic Review of the Treatment of the Pathology
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Zehavit Haas1, Rachel Kafri2 |
| 1 Zehavit Haas, BA in Physical Therapy, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev 2 Dr. Kafri, PhD, PT, Physiotherapist for pelvic floor rehabilitation. Self-employed |
| The review was written as part of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, the Recanati School of Health Professions, the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: “Coccydenia” is a pain in the coccyx region that usually occurs while sitting. The intensity of the pain varies and sometimes it is aggravated by arising from a seated position. Treatments of the pathology include both conservative and invasive treatments. In physical therapy there are different kinds of treatments, which include manual and non-manual techniques. Furthermore, there are also surgical options for treating this condition. |
| The objective of this study is to describe the current available treatments of this pathology, with an emphasis on physical therapy treatments. |
| Methods: A structured search was conducted using Pubmed, ClinicalKey, Google scholar and the computerized database of Ben Gurion university medical library. |
| Results: Forty-two articles were found, fourteen of them describe clinical trials, fifteen describe case-studies, eleven are literature reviews and two of them are books. Out of fourteen clinical trials, eight included statistical results, three were randomized control trials, and only five compared between manual treatments to non-manual treatments as a control group. |
| Discussion and conclusions: Physiotherapy treatment for coccydenia include both conservative non-manual treatments and invasive manual treatments. The literature review shows that manual treatments are less efficient than non- manual treatments in reducing the symptoms of coccydenia. Due to lack of clinical trials and statistical analysis, it is hard to determine whether a specific treatment would be efficient and adequate for specific patients. Therefore, qualitative and randomized control trials are needed in order to evaluate the effect of certain treatments on patients with chronic coccydenia. |
| Key Words: Coccydynia, Coccydenia, Coccygodenia |
