Importance of the right diagnosis

Swarna, India - swarna.surya@gmail.com

Posted 2021-11-21

My name is Swarna (she/her), and I am from India. I am 30 years old. In August 2021, I accidentally slipped and fell on my balcony floor. Post 1 week, I found it very difficult to sit for more than 20-30 minutes. There was a pain when I transitioned from sitting to standing. Over the next two months, I visited three doctors ( A General Physician, An Ortho Specialist, and a Pain Management Specialist). The solutions all offered ranged from painkillers, a few exercises, and a ganglion impar injection. The ortho specialist diagnosed it just as 'a coccyx issue'- inflammation around the coccyx bone! None of the solutions worked for me. I started working by just standing rather than sitting. The pain seemed to increase as days progressed. I was in a terrible place physically and mentally as I could not find the right diagnosis.

Right Diagnosis

In October 2021, I stumbled upon a Tailbone Treatment Center's website and got in touch with Dr. Syeda Mubashira (see Doctors and specialists in India). She asked me the right questions, looked at the dynamic x-ray, analyzed my issue, and diagnosed the problem. My tailbones suffered posterior and anterior subluxation. She clearly explained the issue and how and why it deteriorated over time and laid out the treatment plan for the same. My first visit with her relieved me as I got some closure after understanding what was going with me. I took a blood test(recommended by Dr Mubashira) to know my Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3 levels. The results came out, and both of these levels were at rock bottom. She explained the importance of these vitamins for my bone and muscle recovery and gave me a prescription and a list of things to increase my vitamin levels.

Treatment

The following week, I started a 5-day treatment plan for internal manipulation. I was taught specific physical therapy exercises focused on the muscles around the coccyx area, my core, and my back. Initially, I was nervous about the procedure, but it was not at all painful. It was quick, and Dr. Muabshira made me feel very comfortable. As the treatment proceeded, whenever I found discomfort or a new pain in my muscles, she diagnosed them and treated them with exercises and stretches immediately.

Post-treatment support plan

She had a very clear support plan. She documented all the exercise videos and sent them to me over WhatsApp. She made sure she was available for any questions and support on call. She suggested the right coccyx cushion with inclinations and clearly articulated the 'Dos' and 'Donts' for the coming 2-3 months. She also recommended doing Swimming for better results.

Results

Tailbone : Right after day 5 of the treatment, I could feel so much better. My tailbone pain started reducing. I stuck to the exercise regime and made sure I didn't sit for a long time. I have been going for a swim every week. It has been less than a month now, and I can feel that I am far better. I don't feel any pain when I transition from sitting to standing position.I am able to sleep properly and get up without any pain radiating all over my back.

Back Pain: I did have some sporadic pain radiating only in specific sections of my lower back area and not in my coccyx area. We waited for a few weeks to see the improvement, but the pain in the lower back persisted. She recommended an MRI scan, and we found that the lower spine's disc was bulged a little. She suggested a few other physical therapy exercises for my lower back, and I am doing the same.

About the Doctor

I appreciate the honesty of Dr. Mubashira. She was clear about not giving painkillers and wanted the body to heal itself. She clearly explains the 'why' of all her actions. She doesn't sell 'hope' or push her products. She doesn't jump guns and asks the patients to take unwanted tests. She immensely cares for her patients and tries to help them out in whatever possible way. She is punctual and accommodating. She is very approachable and makes you feel warm!

In 4 weeks, I was able to see the progress I made, and I am hopeful that in the next few months, I will be in less pain, all credits to Dr. Mubashira. I recommend anyone facing this issue to approach her; I promise you will be pain-free soon

Update, 2023-01-08

It has been more than a year since my manipulation treatment. I have completely returned to my normal life.

After just two months of the treatment, I stopped using the cushion. It was hard in the beginning, mostly it's the mind rather than the issue itself. Started to stop using it, one hour at a time. Slowly, I was able to let go of it. My X-ray post treatment looked great, my angulation was fixed. I took a long trip after a very long time. I was able to sit and travel in the car without any issues. I was able to drive a car, drive a two-wheeler and also sit continuously in the movie theatres!

From the beginning of 2022, I have not faced any issues with respect to my tailbone. As mentioned in my initial post, I did have issues with my backbone (L4,L5) but with regular exercises, and precautionary measures, I am able to prevent any further issues. I am aware of the trigger points and reasons for any soreness and ensure to work on preventing it.

I have constantly stayed in touch with Syedaa maam and have received her guidance in key moments of the post-treatment. I have also had the opportunity to speak to many Coccyx patients to help them take the first step towards the treatment. I strongly would recommend people to talk and help other people who are going through similar challenges.