Understanding Tailbone Mobility and Associated Discomfort
As a 30-year-old standing at 5'11" and weighing 190 pounds, my experience with Inclusion Body Myositis has led to significant muscle weakening over time. In an effort to combat this deterioration, I've incorporated light physical activity into my routine. However, any sustained movement, whether it be walking or cycling beyond an hour, leaves my legs feeling unstable. When I encounter difficulties with standing, I notice substantial pressure radiating around my tailbone area. Tilting my pelvis forward alleviates some of this discomfort, but I have observed an excessive lateral movement of my tailbone while walking. Additionally, when lying on my side, it feels as though my tailbone is protruding towards my hip, misaligned with my spine, resulting in increased pain. While placing a pillow between my knees provides slight relief, I must be cautious about my positioning. Interestingly, when I tilt my pelvis forward, I experience increased circulation, which warms up my legs and feet. Conversely, as soon as I revert to a neutral pelvic position, my extremities quickly turn cold and clammy. I am curious to know if these issues could stem from weakness in my pelvic muscles or if there might be an underlying injury to my tailbone. When seated, I often feel as if I am hovering above the surface rather than fully supported by the chair, as my sit bones rarely touch it properly. If further details would aid in assessing my situation, please let me know. I'm grateful for your attention to my concerns! In summary, my condition linked to Inclusion Body Myositis leads to reduced blood flow and sensation in my legs and feet when I exert pressure on the tailbone.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 7:30:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns. It's clear that you're facing challenges related to your condition, and I'm here to provide some insights and practical steps to help improve your comfort and mobility.
Main Points
The discomfort around your tailbone, instability in your legs, and changes in circulation could stem from muscle weakness related to your Inclusion Body Myositis. Strengthening your pelvic muscles and adjusting your posture can help alleviate some of these issues.
Explanation
Inclusion Body Myositis can lead to muscle weakness, affecting your stability and strength during physical activities. This weakness may also contribute to compensatory movements in other areas of your body, including your pelvis and tailbone, leading to discomfort and misalignment. The feeling of hovering when seated suggests that your pelvis might not be properly supported, which can increase pressure on your tailbone and affect circulation in your legs.
Tilting your pelvis forward might temporarily relieve discomfort and improve circulation, indicating that your pelvic alignment and muscle support are key areas to address.
Next Steps
-
Strengthening Exercises:
- Focus on gentle pelvic floor and core strengthening exercises. These may help stabilize your pelvis and reduce pressure on your tailbone. Simple exercises could include pelvic tilts, bridges, and modified leg lifts. Start gently and increase intensity as tolerated.
-
Posture Awareness:
- Pay attention to your seated posture. When sitting, ensure that your feet are flat on the ground and your knees are at a right angle. Using a firm cushion or a towel roll placed at the lower back can help support your pelvis and spine alignment.
-
Movement Modifications:
- When walking or cycling, consider breaking your engagements into shorter durations to avoid fatigue and pressure buildup. Gradually increase the length of your sessions as your strength improves.
-
Pain Relief Techniques:
- Gentle stretching, warm compresses to the tailbone area, or over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Always consider how your body responds to these methods.
-
Body Mechanics:
- When lying down or moving, try to maintain a neutral spine position to avoid lateral movement of the tailbone. Using supportive pillows or cushions—such as a wedge pillow under your knees—can help align your spine and reduce discomfort.
-
Monitoring Symptoms:
- Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting what activities seem to exacerbate them and any patterns you observe with your mobility and circulation. This can help you identify triggers and adjust your activity levels accordingly.
If you notice worsening symptoms, or if these strategies do not provide relief, it may be beneficial to consult a physical therapist, who can assess your condition in more detail and tailor a rehabilitation plan to your specific needs.
You're taking proactive steps towards managing your condition, which is commendable. Let me know if you have any further questions or need additional guidance!
Related Questions
Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!
Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Should We Handle This Ear Issue at Home or Seek Medical Attention?
I’m sharing this on behalf of my husband, a 33-year-old male who is not currently taking any medications and has no known chronic conditions. The only relevant detail is that he has a significant issue with earwax accumulation. At times, this leads to noticeable deposits on his pillow when he sleeps on his side, affecting his hearing. For the past few days, his ear has exhibited symptoms similar to what is often seen in various ear conditions. He reports feeling a sense of discomfort, although there is no pain or itchiness involved. Touching or tugging on the tragus and surrounding areas does not elicit any pain. He’s uncertain why there are scabs around this area. He mentioned experiencing a sensation of fluid inside the ear yesterday, prompting him to use some over-the-counter peroxide drops to help clear it out. He described the output as a thick, opaque discharge resembling earwax, but darker and more liquid in texture. Today, while the fullness sensation seems to have diminished, the discomfort remains. His other ear appears normal, perhaps just slightly dry, but nothing more than what is typical for ears. Given this information, I'd like to know whether this is a situation he can manage at home or one that warrants a visit to urgent care. Additionally, what might be the underlying issue?
Understanding Esophageal Polyps
I’m a 33-year-old woman who recently discovered a polyp located at the base of my esophagus. I’m wondering if anyone has insights on what the possible pathology results might indicate? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Pushing Boundaries or Overdoing It?
For several years, I was an active competitive cheerleader, which meant my body was constantly in motion and often sore due to rigorous practice sessions, especially during competition periods. When I transitioned to college and stepped away from cheerleading, I paused my workout routine. This hiatus led to feelings of guilt over my inactivity and sparked a desire to shed some pounds. Consequently, I began monitoring my food intake, utilizing a scale to track my macronutrients. I focused on increasing my protein consumption, something I previously struggled with due to my picky eating habits regarding meat. Around the same time, one of my roommates was dealing with disordered eating, which influenced my own mindset and behaviors, pulling me into a similar downward spiral. During a difficult couple of months, my eating habits fluctuated between consuming limited meals and intermittent fasting. Ultimately, I managed to break free from that harmful cycle and began to enjoy healthier, more balanced meals once again. Simultaneously, my sleep schedule was severely lacking, averaging only 3 to 5 hours each night. Post-Thanksgiving holiday, I established a more consistent routine in December, committing to daily workouts to alleviate the guilt and anxiety surrounding food and boost my sense of productivity. My regimen included a 30 to 45-minute workout, a brief stretch, a 20-minute incline walk, along with several local trail walks spanning about 4 to 6 miles. However, this rapid increase in physical activity took a toll on my body. I developed a pump bump on my right heel and suffered from severe Achilles tendinitis in my left ankle, which became so swollen that the tendon was not visible. A visit to the podiatrist revealed the issue stemmed from a bone growth at the front of my ankle joint, potentially a remnant of a previous cheer injury. I was advised to switch to shoes with a higher heel, take anti-inflammatory medication, and engage in physical therapy. Though the swelling subsided and the pain lessened in the interim, I was eager to get back to college and get into my fitness routine. Upon returning, feeling as though I had fallen behind, I ramped up my workouts significantly. I started a regimen that included an hour of weightlifting followed by over two hours of inclined walking on the treadmill, aiming to burn more than 1,000 calories from Monday through Friday, with weekends reserved primarily for rest, featuring an abdominal workout and leisurely walks. Regrettably, my roommate's calorie tracking habits led me to regress into similar behaviors. I avoided using the food scale this time, hesitant to return to previous unhealthy patterns, yet I still substantially reduced my caloric intake, attempting to keep it below 1,000 calories while burning over that amount through exercise. My approach included moderate meals Monday through Thursday, reserving weekends for larger meals and occasional treats. On weekdays, I typically consumed a third of a banana before workouts, engaged in three hours of intense exercise, then took an energy drink before classes. Post-class, I’d have some cucumber or a piece of fruit before dinner, which generally consisted of protein, a whole-grain English muffin, and salad. If I had room left, I’d enjoy a Greek yogurt for dessert. So far, this strategy has yielded favorable results; I've lost almost 14 pounds since my last checkup in mid-December, and my stomach discomfort has lessened. However, after a 10-mile walk this past Sunday, I began to experience significant pain in my right shin, assuming it might be shin splints but continuing to work out as usual. The week has been challenging, caught between the urge to maintain a 1,000-calorie burn while grappling with persistent pain, even while at rest. The discomfort is concentrated on the front part of my shin, spanning about the size of a quarter, and is painful to touch. Movement aggravates the sensation, making it hurt to walk or even lift my leg while sitting. There's noticeable swelling and warmth, and the pain seems to intensify in the evening, causing discomfort even when resting in bed. I sought care today, and while an X-ray showed no significant issues—a relief—the physician suspects it might be tendonitis. I was initially fearful of a stress fracture, having heard stories of athletes pushing through such injuries, resulting in more severe complications. Given that the X-ray was clear, I am reassured, but I'm still anxious to continue my workouts, as I feel uneasy just remaining inactive and eating without sufficient exercise. I would appreciate any insights into my situation and whether it appears to align with the diagnosis in terms of allowing me to continue training—perhaps avoiding excessive incline walking during this time.