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Kathleen Pendergast-McGee - Pendergast.McGee@comcast.net
Posted 2007-01-14
I have had a "messed-up" tailbone for as long as I can remember. It was just something that I had learned to live with - and after 38 years, I felt I had done a pretty good job of it. I had modified my behavior over the years unconsciously; by sitting on one cheek and switching back and forth and avoiding activities that would aggravate the pain, discomfort or numbness in that area and my lower back.
Over the years I had seen several orthopedic surgeons and "spine specialists" in California. I have seen doctors in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Jose and San Francisco, and they have all given me different and conflicting "solutions" to my problem. One doctor suggested surgery to remove the coccyx, another said he had heard of massage techniques but "didn't think there was any merit to it", one "expert" told me: [quote] "if you would put some more meat on your bones you wouldn't notice it so much" (FYI: I am a woman of healthy weight with an athletic body-type – I thought that was a VERY strange suggestion considering the United States' current obesity crisis…) and another said "there is nothing that can be done, you just have to live with it."
Considering the options, I consulted with a couple of friends of mine who are massage therapists. They both had heard of massage for coccyx pain, but neither of them did that type of practice or knew anyone with experience who did. Which led me to the internet and coccyx.org where I found the website for Dr. Chris Kemper, and the Kemper Spine Center.
After checking out the website and seeing what he had to say about the reasons for this pain, and what his former patients had to say about the treatments offered there, I decided to give it a shot. (My logic was to start with the non-surgical treatment first before I was going to start cutting things off - or start eating brownies by the plateful, tempting as that is…)
I feel like I made exactly the right decision. Dr. Kemper aligned my neck and spine and with just 2 treatments for my tailbone I was able to bend over and touch the floor - after years of yoga I was never able to do that - I always just figured that my hamstrings were too tight! I also had total relief of lower back pain and tailbone discomfort. In fact, I actually responded so well that I was released from the FastTrack program a day early! I guess it paid off to be healthy and in good shape after all!
More than anything though, Dr. Kemper made me a part of this process - really teaching me about my body and my spine and it's health. He answered dozens of my questions, and wanted me to REALLY UNDERSTAND what was going on and what he was doing to treat my problem. I really respect that. I hate doctors that sit up on their pedestal and treat you like you are an idiot because you are not a doctor and therefore you couldn't possibly understand your treatment or have an intelligent question. Dr. Kemper and his staff (shout-out to Obie!) went out of their way to educate me and empower me as well as treat me - and that was an awesome experience.
Before you and your doctor get caught up in the idea of lopping-off important body parts, I sincerely suggest you give Dr. Kemper and his staff a try first. (And once someone educates you about your body you will realize that your coccyx IS an important body part…) Besides, if it doesn't work for you, then you still have the option of having surgery. Of course you can have the surgery first, but once your tailbone has been removed and you STILL have pain, like so many people on this site, what are your choices then?
Good luck and be well,
Kathleen Pendergast-McGee