Things You'll Need:
- A local surgical supply store or Internet access to shop online
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Step 1
Start by understanding the different types of cushions that are used for tailbone pain, as outlined below.
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Step 2
Donut cushion (doughnut cushion) for Tailbone Pain (coccyx pain).Donut cushions (doughnut cushions) are circular cushions that have a hole in the center, like a donut. The idea is for you to sit with the lower part of each buttock cheek supported by the ring of the doughnut, while the tailbone is centered over the middle of the hole. This way, when you are sitting, little or none of your body weight should be causing pressure on the tailbone itself. Unfortunately, many patients tell me that they find a donut cushions awkward, with difficulty lining up the tailbone right over the hole.
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Step 3
Tailbone Wedge Cushion, for coccyx painWedge cushions are essentially a square seat pad with a wedge-shaped (triangle-shaped) cut-out along one side/edge of the square. When you put this cushion on your chair, the cut-out wedge goes to the back of the seat. When you sit on this cushion, the cushion supports bones at the lower part of each buttock cheek, as well as supporting the back of the upper thighs. But the tailbone is located above the cut-out hole (wedge) so that the tailbone does not make contact with the sitting surface. This way, when you are sitting, little or none of your body weight should be causing pressure on the tailbone itself. Many patients tell me that they find the wedge cushions to be more comfortable than the donut cushions.
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Step 4
Note that some cushions are inflatable, which may make them easier (smaller) to pack when you let the air out of them. But if these get a leak, you may end up needing to buy a new one.
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Step 5
Visit your local surgical supply store or search online for terms like "coccyx cushion", “tailbone cushion”, “tailbone wedge cushion”, etc.
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Step 6
One potential advantage of using your local surgical supply store is that you may be able to actually try out before buying it, by sitting on the cushion on a chair in the store. Alternatively, many patients find that online sources are less expensive and more convenient since you can shop from home.
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Step 7
Web Search for Tailbone DoctorIf the tailbone soreness or pain persists, consider seeing a physician with special expertise in treating tailbone pain.
Comments
HillaryM said
on 3/20/2008 Great article! Useful tips and well written!