Psychosomatics is a field of clinical psychology that studies diseases caused by stress. It lies at the intersection of medicine and psychology. Psychosomatics examines real organic and functional disorders in organ function, identifies their psychological causes and negative factors. This is important because until the psychosomatic causes are eliminated, medication will not have the desired effect.
Coccyx: Psychosomatic Causes of Pain
Psychosomatics views the spine as the core of life, a thread connecting a person’s past, present, and future. The spine reflects one’s entire life and the essence of personality. Each section and vertebra has its psychological meaning, for example, the coccyx reflects intrapersonal harmony.
Pain in this area indicates:
- Unforgiven grievances;
- Excessive obstinacy;
- Self-blame;
- Shaken psychological balance.
However, this is not the only interpretation of the causes of coccyx pain. Opinions of authoritative body-oriented psychologists (psychosomatists) differ. But psychologists agree: coccyx pain reflects fatigue, psychological burden, and a lack of self-love.
Let’s examine some of the theories in more detail.
Louise Hay
Founder of the self-help movement and author of over 30 books on body psychology, Louise Hay interprets coccyx pain as a sign of personality imbalance, internal conflict, dissatisfaction, and self-rejection. It also indicates unresolved issues, suppressed and transferred to the subconscious or consciously ignored by the individual.
Lise Bourbeau
Contemporary psychologist Lise Bourbeau sees coccyx pain as a reflection of suppressed emotions and unmet personal needs. People recognize their dissatisfaction but see no solution, lack self-belief, fear asking for help, or don’t want to owe anyone. This leads to another problem – the inability to engage in mutually beneficial relationships and enjoy life.
Valery Sinelnikov
Modern psychotherapist V.V. Sinelnikov interprets pain as an indicator of financial problems or concern for material well-being, leading to anxiety and fear.
Interesting! More about musculoskeletal diseases and treatment methods can be read in the books of psychologists whose theories we’ve examined. For example, in Lise Bourbeau’s “Your Body Says Love Yourself!” and Louise Hay’s “Heal Your Body with Love.”
Treatment Methods in Psychosomatics
Treating the problem involves eliminating its causes. This means:
- Learning to love yourself;
- Accepting your emotions and feelings;
- Recognizing and satisfying needs;
- Forgiving grievances;
- Working through past traumas;
- Finishing unresolved past issues;
- Believing in yourself;
- Exiting dependent relationships;
- Overcoming guilt;
- Discovering your resources and accepting help from others.
People with this symptom often feel that others depend on them, preventing them from enjoying leisure or personal activities. They are plagued by guilt, especially if someone else is working at that time. To be happy and calm, they need the presence or consent of a loved one.
It’s important to understand that everyone has the right to personal interests and needs. To reduce anxiety, it’s helpful to talk to a loved one, describe your feelings and perception of the situation. They will likely say that such an attitude is irrational, and the anxiety is unfounded.
Louise Hay recommends regular autotraining to reduce pain and adjust self-perception. Repeat this affirmation: “I start loving myself, and by doing so, I balance my life. I live in the present and love myself as I am.”
Self-acceptance and viewing the past, present, and future as a unified object and an integral part of personality helps achieve internal harmony. To relieve discomfort in the coccyx, learn self-care and overcome excessive altruism.
Important! Psychological work on oneself is part of the treatment. Psychotherapy alone cannot eliminate organic or functional disorders. Treatment must be comprehensive: medication and psychotherapy.
Paths to Healing
Full healing from coccyx pain can be achieved through three blockages: physical, emotional, mental (author – Louise Hay).
- Physical: The coccyx is the final section of the spine, consisting of five fused vertebrae. Its mobility is limited, but sensitivity is high. Tension and pain increase in a seated position. Conclusion: sit less, move and stretch more.
- Emotional: Psychologically, the coccyx is the spine’s base, embodying basic personal needs: food, safety, sleep, belonging, self-actualization, and more. Everyone’s list of basic needs is unique. This isn’t about levels in Maslow’s pyramid. Pain arises from unmet needs or guilt felt when others meet these needs. Conclusion: “get off the chair” and fight for personal happiness.
- Mental: The third component of psychosomatic pain is distress due to dependence on others, the inability to accept help and care. Conclusion: allow yourself to be dependent sometimes, accept selfless help. Everyone needs care, love, attention. This is one of the basic needs.
Lise Bourbeau outlines the mental block in steps:
- Analyzing troubling problems. Writing down errors, details, situations, and influencing factors.
- Recording desires in writing. This should also be considered a goal and result.
- Developing an action plan. Connecting past experiences with desired futures and forming a plan. Multiple options can be developed.
- Choosing the optimal option, i.e., one that meets needs, interests, and personal capabilities. The action plan should reflect self-love and tolerance.
Intrapersonal conflict, chronic stress, suppression of desires and emotions – all can cause psychosomatic disorders in the coccyx. The subconscious speaks through the body, with reactions possibly delayed and reasons hidden. If you cannot find and eliminate the cause on your own, seek a psychotherapist.
