Occurrence of Coccydynia in Healthcare Professionals of Lahore: Pain and Straight Leg Raise Test Perspective

Abstract

Background: Coccydynia, or tailbone pain, is a prevalent occupational musculoskeletal disorder among healthcare professionals, often resulting in functional disability and reduced workplace productivity. Despite the increasing recognition of coccydynia in high-risk groups, its clinical occurrence, diagnostic associations, and impact among healthcare workers in developing countries remain underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to determine the occurrence of coccydynia among healthcare professionals in Lahore, Pakistan, assess pain severity and back disability, and examine the association between Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test results, pain intensity, and functional impairment. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 257 healthcare professionals aged 26–35 years with prolonged sitting and persistent pain for at least one month. Participants were recruited via non-probability convenience sampling, excluding those with psychiatric, oncologic, neurological, or prior surgical conditions affecting the pelvis or spine. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and SLR test. Ethical approval was obtained in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS v27, using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square and Pearson correlation. Results: Among participants, 44.7% tested positive for SLR, indicating coccydynia. SLR positivity showed a perfect association with pain presence and severity (χ² = 257, Phi = 1.00, p < 0.001) and a strong correlation with back disability (r = 0.756, p < 0.001). Clinically, higher pain and disability levels were significantly associated with SLR positivity. Conclusion: Nearly half of young healthcare professionals in Lahore experience SLR-confirmed coccydynia, closely linked to greater pain and disability. These findings highlight the need for early screening, ergonomic interventions, and targeted rehabilitation to improve occupational health and productivity in the healthcare sector.