Coccyx (Tailbone) Pain?

[Blueberry]

So this is a new one on me - and I'm curious if anyone has had a similar experience....

I started doing a ride everyday challenge in December, and have continued into January (subbing some other activities in Jan). This is much more time than I have ever spent on a bike trainer (and more than I have spent on a bike in a very long time). Normal saddle issues are fine (i.e., little chafing, no sit bone pain). However - my tailbone hurts. Seriously hurts. There is nothing else this could be. The only thing I can think of is that I'm sitting up on the trainer in a way I never do on the road - and when I do, I'm bruising it?:eek::eek: There's only ever minor discomfort on the trainer (and only while sitting up), but afterwards, the pain can be quite sharp. As I'm sitting here, if I squeeze my gluteal muscles hard, I feel some discomfort.

Is this something that goes away? I'm sure I should train myself to sit up less - but being on the trainer is still boring and moving around usually feels good. I don't think it warrants a doctor visit or a bike fit visit - it's just....odd.

[Wahine]

I agree with what Knottedyet said in the thread link. It's likely that the saddle is too narrow and on the trainer you don't move around enough to release the pressure or that the saddle has broken down.

I hope that helps.

[Blueberry]

Hmmm....

I don't think it's saddle breakdown - it's the same model I've ridden for 12 years, and a fairly new one in terms of age (not the newest of mine, but probably ~800 miles or less). It's a Terry Butterfly. I suppose it could be too narrow but I'm really, really surprised this would be the first I've seen of it. I've done road rides of 80+ miles (and the training for them) without discomfort on this model.

My theory was that it's the extended periods of sitting completely upright (which would rotate the pelvis backwards in a way that doesn't happen on the road) - as opposed to my normal angle. I'm inclined to play it by ear and see what happens - I hate to start from scratch saddle shopping when these have worked for so long.

[Kiwi Stoker]

It's not only the time on the saddle which ages it but also the age of the materials.

If you look at shoes especially safety boots, you will find a date of manufacture on them. Glues, foam and material does break down over time- even when not used and stored in a cool dark area.

So if your saddle is hardly used but however old from date of manufacture the materials would of started the breakdown process

[Wahine]

My theory was that it's the extended periods of sitting completely upright (which would rotate the pelvis backwards in a way that doesn't happen on the road) - as opposed to my normal angle. I'm inclined to play it by ear and see what happens - I hate to start from scratch saddle shopping when these have worked for so long.

This isn't a bad theory. The way to test it would be to not sit up for a trainer workout 9or 3) and see if your symptoms abate. A too narrow saddle is a more significant problem on a trainer because you don't shift your weight around the same way you do when riding outside so the adverse pressures are more constant. Sitting upright also puts more weight on your pelvis and will accentuate any problems from riding a too narrow saddle as well as potentially putting too much pressure on your tailbone.

Also, the Terry Butterfly is a cut away and they break down in the middle where the cut away is. It doesn't take that long for this to happen. When it does you slid forward onto the narrower part of the saddle (especially when sitting upright) and then you've got a narrow saddle issue, even if it's the right saddle for you.

I would try staying on your bars more and concentrating on keeping your sitbones back on the widest part of the saddle. You could also try tipping the saddle nose up just a little to help slide you back there.

[jodz1984]

I have broken my tailbone and the last 3 little bones are healing 90 degrees from where they are meant to be. This happened when I gave birth to my son, 14 months ago. I got a specialized ruby saddle and no pain since. :) well apart from when I ride a cheap crap quality saddle.

[dolliedaze]

I have just bought a classic step through cycle with a Brooks B67S saddle. I sat on one in the shop and it was very comfortable, even had a trial ride outside. However,on collecting my bike today and having a 10 minute cycling session (after a break of 15 years) I have pain in my coccyx. I am 61 and have little padding in my rear end. Husband has adjusted the saddle to level and has raised it slightly. We have also applied proofite. Is there anything else I can do? Why was the saddle in the shop so comfortable and mine isn't - same model. Very concerned as one of the reasons I stopped cycling 15 years ago was that I found it too uncomfortable:(

[AngelWings]

Just wondering if you've found a solution to your Coccyx pain. I hurt mine in my 20's and last year, now in my 50's found that pain returned as I rode my bike... I have not ridden in a year and am just now going to the Doctor about this issue. I kept thinking it would heal on it's own. I have been doing my own research and found these helpful sites for Coccyx pain:

http://www.coccyx.org/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eI95wM1mM8

I am determined to get back on my bike and am checking out various seats to try. I'm wondering if you've found one that has worked to help alleviate your tailbone problems.

BTW... I encourage you to go to the Doc's soon if you haven't already. Don't wait as I have done... :(

Angel

[AngelWings]

I have just bought a classic step through cycle with a Brooks B67S saddle. I sat on one in the shop and it was very comfortable, even had a trial ride outside. However,on collecting my bike today and having a 10 minute cycling session (after a break of 15 years) I have pain in my coccyx. I am 61 and have little padding in my rear end. Husband has adjusted the saddle to level and has raised it slightly. We have also applied proofite. Is there anything else I can do? Why was the saddle in the shop so comfortable and mine isn't - same model. Very concerned as one of the reasons I stopped cycling 15 years ago was that I found it too uncomfortable:(
Don't give up Dolliedaze...!

I've just turned 60, have a bit of padding in my rear too, and am suffering from Coccyx pain also. I am determined to find a way to get back on my bicycle, so if I find a seat that works well for me, I will be sure to come back here and post it...!

Angel

[Kiwi Stoker]

I have just bought a classic step through cycle with a Brooks B67S saddle. I sat on one in the shop and it was very comfortable, even had a trial ride outside. However,on collecting my bike today and having a 10 minute cycling session (after a break of 15 years) I have pain in my coccyx. I am 61 and have little padding in my rear end. Husband has adjusted the saddle to level and has raised it slightly. We have also applied proofite. Is there anything else I can do? Why was the saddle in the shop so comfortable and mine isn't - same model. Very concerned as one of the reasons I stopped cycling 15 years ago was that I found it too uncomfortable:(

The one thing with Brooks saddles is that you have to "break them in". This involves riding and prooofliting the saddle regularly so it moulds to your sit bones. It you cannot stand trying to do this I would suggest looking for another saddle. Also are you wearing padded shorts? If not it is worth investing in these- even it they are MTB shorts (normal looking shorts with a padded liner inside).