Subject: Case Reports – Tail Bone – Coccygodynia

Title: Chiropractic treatment of coccygodynia via external instrumental adjusting procedures utilizing Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique.

Reference: Polkinghorn BS, Colloca CJ. Chiropractic treatment of coccygodynia via external instrumental adjusting procedures utilizing Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1999; 22(6): 411-6

ABSTRACT
Objective: To discuss a case of coccygodynia that responded favorably to conservative chiropractic adjusting procedures with the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) and , the Activator 11 Adjusting Instrument (AAII1).

Clinical Features: A 29-year-old woman had unremitting coccygeal pain of 3 weeks' duration. The problem began after she had moved heavy boxes while at work. The pain was characterized by a continual dull ache in the coccygeal region, accompanied by intermittent sharp pain, particularly upon sitting or rising from a seated position. She had been taking self-prescribed over-the-counter analgesics (aspirin and ibuprofen) for 3 weeks without obtaining relief.

Intervention and Outcome: Treatment consisted of mechanical force, manually assisted short-lever (MFMA) chiropractic adjusting procedures to the coccygeal area, primarily the sacrococcygeal ligament. The AAI II was used to deliver the adjustment according to diagnostic and treatment protocol specified for AMCT. The patient experienced a complete resolution of her pain after the first treatment.

Conclusion: Chiropractic coccygeal manipulation may be effectively delivered via instrumental adjustment in certain cases of coccygodynia. The use of an AA II in administering the coccygeal adjustment has the benefit of being a gentle, noninvasive procedure, as well as being comfortably tolerated by the patient. This method of coccygeal adjustment may bear consideration in certain cases of coccygodynia. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1999;22:411-6)

Key Indexing Terms: Chiropractic Manipulation; Coccyx; Pain