Persistent Buttock Pain and Numbness Twelve Years Post-Injury
I’m a 32-year-old woman, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 285 pounds. Back in 2013, I experienced a fall where I struck two wooden stairs, which initiated ongoing discomfort. Since that incident, I have been afflicted with pain and numbness in the sitting position. At the time of the fall, I consulted a physician who determined that there was no visible harm, fractures, or significant injuries. He performed a coccyx injection to alleviate the pain, but it was ineffective. The discomfort is localized at the upper part of my buttocks, while the numbness extends outward in an oval shape across both cheeks. Remarkably, this sensation diminishes almost immediately upon standing. Additionally, I have endured back issues for over 15 years, and my mother suffers from degenerative disc disease, which might indicate a genetic component to my pain. I am at a loss as to what steps I should take next and fear that I may have waited too long for effective treatment options. Is there any potential for relief? Am I destined to cope with this for the foreseeable future? I have tried using coccyx support pillows, but they have provided little to no relief. I’m seeking guidance on possible remedies or suggestions for products that I haven’t yet considered, as well as advice on whether I should consult with a healthcare provider again. Thank you!
Answers (1)
8/12/2025, 1:50:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing pain and numbness since your injury. The discomfort you're describing, particularly the pain when sitting and numbness that improves when standing, can be frustrating and concerning. Let’s explore potential options for relief and what actions you might take next.
Main Points:
- Persistent pain post-injury can stem from various conditions, such as injuries to the coccyx, nerve issues, or underlying musculoskeletal problems.
- Improvement upon standing suggests that your symptoms may be related to pressure on nerves or tissues when seated.
- Revisiting healthcare could provide new insights, particularly given your extensive history and family background of back issues.
Explanation:
Your symptoms indicate that there may be underlying issues contributing to your discomfort, especially since it has persisted for over a decade. The fact that the numbness is relieved when standing could suggest that your sitting position puts pressure on certain nerves or areas of your pelvis and lower back. Conditions such as coccygodynia (pain in the coccyx), ischiatic nerve entrapment, or even issues related to your spine could be factors. Since nothing substantial was found initially, further evaluation may help discover subtle issues that weren't diagnosed before.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Note when the pain and numbness occur, their intensity, activities that worsen or relieve them, and any other relevant changes. This information can be crucial for healthcare providers to understand your situation better.
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Revisit a Healthcare Provider: Given the persistence and nature of your symptoms, consider seeing a specialist, such as a pain management specialist, chiropractor, or spine specialist. They may suggest imaging tests (like an MRI) to look for any underlying conditions that could have been overlooked.
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Try Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help develop a tailored exercise program to strengthen your back and pelvic muscles and improve flexibility. They may also suggest alternative seating options or ergonomic adjustments.
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Explore Pain Management Techniques: Options include heat or ice therapy, gentle stretching, or over-the-counter pain relief medications (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) if appropriate for you.
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Consider Weight Management Strategies: If weight could be a contributing factor to your pain, gentle movement-based therapies like walking or swimming may be beneficial. These can help enhance your overall physical condition and potentially alleviate some pressure on your back and hips.
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Alternative Seating Solutions: While coccyx support pillows didn’t provide relief, consider consulting with an occupational therapist for ergonomic seating options that may distribute pressure better while seated.
Reassurance:
It's understandable to feel anxious about long-term discomfort, but many people with similar issues find relief through appropriate intervention and self-care measures. You're not alone in this, and with the right strategies and support, it's possible to manage your pain more effectively and improve your quality of life. If you have any further questions or need additional guidance along the way, feel free to reach out again.
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