Pain at the base of your spine? Here’s what might be causing it

Feeling pain at the base of your spine is no fun. Pain in this area can make it difficult to sit and can even keep affecting you while standing or lying down to sleep. Occasional mild pain at the base of your spine might be a normal part of life, but prolonged or intense pain can be the sign of something that requires treatment.

Potential causes of pain at the base of your spine

Pain at the base of your spine can be the result of a few different conditions. Some of the most common include: 

• Coccydynia ⁠— Coccydynia refers to pain that occurs at the lowest part of your spine, the area known as your coccyx (also known as your tailbone). This condition is characterized by pain that grows worse when sitting or doing anything that puts pressure on your spine. Trauma to the coccyx from an incident like a fall or childbirth can cause coccydynia to develop. 

• Strains ⁠— A strain is a muscle that has been overstretched or torn from physical activity. Strains in your lower back can be felt down toward the base of your spine. Strains also increase stress on your spine, which may be contributing to your pain.
• Sciatica ⁠— Sciatica is the inflammation of your sciatic nerve, which is a long nerve strand that runs from your lower back into your legs. The pain from sciatica can be felt in the base of your spine.
• Spinal stenosis ⁠— Spinal stenosis is a condition in which your spinal column grows more narrow. This puts pressure on the nerves running through it, which can cause pain to spread throughout the spine, including the base.

Visit Armor Physical Therapy for help with pain at the base of your spine

Are you tired of pain at the base of your spine keeping you from sitting, standing or sleeping comfortably? Our physical therapists at Armor Physical Therapy specialize in treatments that can help reduce and prevent your pain. Contact our team today for more information about pain at the base of your spine or to schedule an initial treatment.