GENERAL INFORMATION
The coccygeus is also known as the iliococcygeus. It is a small muscle located in the pelvic region, along with the levator ani muscle. It makes up the pelvic diaphragm and contributes to supporting as well as stabilising the pelvic organs.
ORIGIN
The coccygeus muscle originates from the ischial spine, a bony prominence on the ischium bone of the pelvis.
INSERTION POINT
The muscle inserts into the lower part of the sacrum and the coccyx (tailbone).
MAJOR ARTERIES
The coccygeus muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the internal pudendal artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The coccygeus muscle is innervated by the ventral rami of the lower sacral nerves (S3-S5) through the coccygeal plexus.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points can develop in the coccygeus muscle, causing localised pain and tenderness. These trigger points can be associated with muscle overuse, poor posture as well as trauma.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
Contraction of the coccygeus muscle helps elevate the pelvic floor and support the pelvic organs, contributing to continence as well as stability.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
This muscle has a limited eccentric function during controlled relaxation of the pelvic floor and descent of the pelvic organs.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometric contraction of the coccygeus muscle provides stability and support to the pelvic floor. It maintains proper alignment and prevents excessive movement.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Coccygeus
- Ischiococcygeus
ANTAGONIST
- Levator ani muscle
COMMON INJURIES
- Coccydynia: Pain and discomfort in the coccyx region, often due to trauma, prolonged sitting, or childbirth.
EXERCISES
- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises): These engage and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, including the coccygeus and levator ani, through contraction and relaxation exercises.
- Bridging: Exercise that engages the pelvic floor and core muscles, including the coccygeus, by lifting the pelvis off the ground while lying on the back.
- Squats are a compound exercise that activates the muscles of the pelvic floor, including the coccygeus, along with the lower body muscles.
- Pelvic tilts: Engaging the pelvic floor by tilting the pelvis back and forth while lying on the back, strengthening the coccygeus muscle.
- Leg lifts: Strengthening the pelvic floor and lower abdominal muscles, including the coccygeus, by lifting one leg at a time while lying on the back.
STRETCHES
- Child’s pose: Sitting back on the heels with the knees spread apart and the torso folded forward. Stretching the pelvic floor and coccygeus muscle.
- Seated forward fold: Sitting with legs extended, fold the torso forward, reaching towards the toes. Stretching the pelvic floor and coccygeus muscle.
- Happy baby pose: Lying on the back and holding the feet with the hands while drawing the knees towards the armpits, stretching the pelvic floor muscles.
- Butterfly stretch: Sitting with the soles of the feet together and the knees dropped out to the sides, gently pressing the knees towards the ground to stretch the pelvic floor.
- Lunges: Stretching the hip flexors and pelvic floor muscles, including the coccygeus, by stepping one foot forward and lowering the hips.