Hi there,

I am 27 with what seems to be a chronic problem with hypermobility (I've posted here a few years about about hypermobility).

It hurts a lot to sit. It also hurts to lie on my back. My doctor thought it might have been a cyst, but that was ruled out and now I'm left with a really painful backside. I've had no trauma to my tailbone. I feel like it's probably my huge issue with hypermobility at work again. I've had some issues with my SI joints subluxing a bit (nothing major, my massage therapist said that was likely the cause). For sitting I use a gel cushion (meant for cars) at work and it seems to help a bit. Hard surfaces hurt the most, but sometimes even soft surfaces can really hurt. I dont know what to do because it's affecting me really badly. I can't go on long car rides, sit long enough to use the recumbant bike, sit in class or a work. Sleeping is also difficult because it hurts to sleep on my back because of my tailbone (I have a tempur foam mattress, and that's not even helping) and I can't side sleep because of instable subluxing shoulders. Also, sometimes when I'm sitting the pain is manageable and without realising, I'll stand up and the pain is much worse. I don't know why I don't notice and stand up earlier!

I've been managing with hypermobility syndrome or something like that for a few years now. I have been very compliant with my treatment plan. I exercise everyday. I don't do crazy workouts. My whole routine was divised with a physiotherapist. I go to the gym and use the elliptical mostly, only for half an hour. Every other day I do a weight training program. I haven't been able to increase the weight for anything, but I'm happy with maintenance. I stretch for 15 minutes (I have ridiculously high muscle tone). Usually at this time I will do a very quick (five minutes) of core exercises. I also do a pilates class once a week, and I Highland dance once a week (though that is looking really pathetic and I know I need to quit it soon). I tape my calves and arches for dance. I also do a fair bit of walking, as I live in a city and don't have a car.

I'm not sure what I can do to help with poor tailbone of mine. I wanted to see if I can do anything for myself before trudging off to the physiotherapist. Any suggestions?

Thank you,

Coley