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The functionality of the coccyx in relation to other organs

The coccyx (in Latin coccyx), the coccygeal region (in Latin oscoccygis) is the lower part of the human spine, which includes three or five rudimentary vertebrae fused together. From Greek, this term can be translated literally as "cuckoo". This is due to the fact that the shape of the bone resembles the beak of birds.

The coccyx is shaped like a bird's beak.

Function

The Miocene hominid period is characterized by the appearance of the coccyx, that is, the further development of the spine in humans, as well as in other primates that do not have a tail. In fact, the coccyx in humans is a rudimentary organ, that is, an underdeveloped tail section that has lost its need as a result of evolution.

The anterior coccyx is necessary for attaching the ligaments and muscles that take part in the work of the genitourinary system and sections of the large intestine (anal-coccygeal ligament, muscles of the pubic coccygeal part, iliococcygeal muscle, coccygeal spine).

Also, the coccyx is related to the extension and flexion of the hip, as the muscles are attached to it. The coccyx is very important for distributing the load on the body, since during movement, squats, flexion of the torso is a support.

Structure

The structure of the coccyx can be described as a pyramid, which is in a curved state, with the base being on top, while the top remains below and bows forward. The width of the coccyx is two times less than its length. The coccygeal vertebrae are the remains of the bodies of the caudal components of the spine. In most cases, the coccyx in humans includes 4 vertebrae, in 25% - three, and only in 10% - five.

The fusion of the vertebrae occurs from the lower part to the upper part of the spine, the age of a person during this period will be approximately 12 years. And the distal vertebrae, in turn, can grow together by the age of 40. The sacrococcygeal region is connected by an intervertebral disc. This allows the coccyx to deviate.

The connection of the vertebrae of the sacrococcygeal region appears quite often. while the sacrococcygeal region can grow together on one or both sides. There is also a connection by cartilaginous articulation. The coccygeal horns are called articular processes that originate in the first vertebra, and then connect to the sacral horns. The sacrococcygeal department is formed in this way. The structure of the coccyx of women is characterized by the greatest mobility, due to childbirth and the need to increase the birth canal. During this period, the sacrococcygeal section deviates in women and the paths expand. Other vertebrae included in the coccyx do not have any processes.

The nerve plexus in the coccyx is of great importance. The nerve endings are located on the anterior surface and are formed with the help of the anterior branches. From this plexus, nerve processes exit to the pelvic organs, the anus and the muscles of the pelvic floor.

The coccyx is considered a vestige of the tail.

Fractures and pathology

Fractures are much more common than they are diagnosed. This is due to the fact that the coccyx is a mobile and small organ. And during the study using x-rays, errors may occur due to the array of tissues located in this area. As a result, the specialist thinks about overdiagnosis. Most often, elderly people come with complaints about a fracture. After all, their coccyx is the least mobile or has completely lost this ability. Usually, the coccyx breaks as a result of a fall on the buttocks and is characterized by a rupture of the sacrococcygeal junction. In these cases, fractures can be:

with offset;
no offset.

It should be noted that a closed fracture of the coccyx is extremely rare. Most often you can see the following options:

dislocations in the sacrococcygeal joint;
cartilage ruptures between the sacrococcygeal joint and vertebrae;
fractures of the sacrococcygeal spine.

Fractures of the coccyx are quite rare.

After some time, callus appears, and after a few years, as a result of salt deposition, immobility occurs, as well as coccygodynia in the lower part of the spine. As a result, a person has problems during flexion and straightening. But, if you take pictures, then there will be no visible violations. But even with fractures, the coccyx can be cured. This process takes a long time of approximately 3 months. In most cases, pathology occurs in women and can be caused by various injuries and inflammatory diseases in this area, for example, arthrosis.

Coccygodynia is a disease of the coccyx, in another way it is called anokoccygeal disease. This brings many problems, such as the inability to quickly change body position, pain while sitting, standing up and walking. The disease continues to spread and after a while the pain will move to the perineum, lower abdomen and thighs.

There are many causes of this disease. But unfortunately, they are very difficult to determine. To do this, you need to undergo a full examination by various specialists, sometimes you need the help of a psychiatrist. Do not treat this disease as a common ailment. Coccygodynia is often the result of another more serious condition. But the most common cause of the disease is a past spinal injury.

In order to cure the coccyx from coccygodynia, an integrated approach must be applied. The course of the disease is different for all people, the symptoms may also differ. This is due to the cause of the disease, as well as the general condition of the patient. For treatment, specialists prescribe certain drugs, as well as prescribe physical procedures in the spine and rectal darsonvalization, mud therapy, and application. In the event that inflammation is the cause of the disease, then ozonation of the anal canal is performed.

In extreme cases, surgical intervention is used. The term coccygectomy refers to the removal of the coccyx. But for the procedure, certain indications are needed. For example, if the usual treatment is performed for a long time, but the pain does not disappear. You need to know that the decision on the choice of treatment is made only by the attending physician, based on examinations, complaints, diagnosis and the results of previous treatment. The coccyx can cause a lot of trouble, so you need to treat your health with care.