Dr. Allan Horowitz, published newspaper article, The Liberal, Copyright June 22, 1988
QUESTION: I always used to laugh at people who wrote you letters asking for help with their problems. I thought it was rather funny that someone would waste their time writing to “some guy” in the paper, rather than just going to see someone face to face for help.
But now I am one of those people who need your help from afar. I obviously feel embarrassed about this complaint and I don’t want to mention it to my own chiropractor who is sort of a friend.
I hope you can help me, and please don’t print my name. I am a 30-year-old male who is very healthy. For about one year I have noticed that when I am sitting in a hard chair for more than a minute or two my tailbone hurts. It doesn’t hurt for the time I am in the chair, but the pain starts after I get up and continues for days.
I know someone else who had the same thing happen to him. His problem started after he hurt himself on a toboggan. I don’t remember hurting myself at all.
My friend’s chiropractor took an x-ray and told him that he dislocated his tailbone. He told him that the best way to fix it was by pulling it straight again, and he would have to do it through the rectum.
My friend had this done and it worked and the pain never returned. The reason I don’t want my chiropractor to know about this is because I feel too close to him to have this procedure done, if it is necessary. What do you suggest?
Answer: I never recommend going behind your doctor’s back for anything and the same goes for your chiropractor. Many patients are embarrassed about things that we never think twice about.
The procedure you describe is an accepted, proven way to relieve certain problems associated with the sacrum, coccyx (tailbone) and the joint between the two bones.
Lubrication is used, then a gloved finger is inserted until the coccyx is felt. The bone is then pulled or mobilized for a few seconds and that is all there is to it.
The procedure is uncomfortable but it doesn’t hurt. It might require up to five or six treatments before relief is felt, but often works after just one treatment.
I can see why you would be embarrassed by having this procedure done by someone you consider a friend. But getting relief from your pain should be your first priority. Discuss this problem with your chiropractor first before doing anything else.
Tell him that if it is necessary and if he thinks it will help your problem he should recommend another chiropractor who will do it, and explain that you want this because you feel embarrassed.
I am sure he will tell you that it is a common problem and he thinks nothing of it, and he would do the procedure for you and it will be all over before you know it.
If he can talk you into letting him do it then I suggest that is the best way. If you feel very strongly about it even after hearing his reassurances, then let him suggest someone else.
Have your chiropractor phone the other one first to fully explain the problem, and the recommended treatment.
I think you are worrying about nothing. That might not even be your problem. You might just have a bruise, or something else which is easily “curable”. Discuss it with him. You might be pleasantly surprised.