Tailbone pain is usually most painful while you are sitting, since sitting puts some of your body weight onto the tailbone (coccyx).
Thus, it makes sense to do coccyx x-rays WHILE SITTING, since that is the most painful position.
Coccyx x-rays are done while you is standing and then again while you are seated. These are also called “dynamic xrays”.
The x-ray appearance of the coccyx while sitting is compared to the appearance of the coccyx while standing, to see if sitting causes abnormal movement of the coccyx.
Meanwhile, how far back to lean for the seated views depends on the patient. I usually have my patients do 3 seated views: 1) sitting upright, 2) leaning partway back, 3) leaning further back which is usually the most painful position. (Most important is the seated xray done in the most painful position.)
If you lean too far back during the seated coccyx x-rays, then you are leaning onto your sacrum, instead of your coccyx. That would off-load your coccyx and unfortunately that would defeat the purpose of the seated x-rays.
For details on how to do sitting versus standing xrays of the coccyx for tailbone pain…
For excellent details from Dr. Maigne, in Paris, France…
Here is the link to follow:
http://sofmmoo.org/coccyx_management.htm
COME FOR RELIEF: For more information on coccyx pain, or to be evaluated in-person by Dr. Foye’s Coccyx Pain Center in the United States, go to: www.TailboneDoctor.com
– Patrick Foye, M.D., Director of the Tailbone Pain Center, New Jersey, United States.
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