Year: 2026 | Month: April-June | Volume: 11 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 90-95
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20260211
Prevalence, Contributing Factors, and Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Coccydynia in IT Professionals
Urvi Goswami1, Dr. Ravindrasinh Rajput2, Dr. Rucha Acharya3
1Master in Physiotherapy, Gokul Physiotherapy department, Sidhpur, Gujarat, India
2Ph.D. Pursuing, MPT (Orthopaedics), Gokul Global University, Sidhpur, Gujarat, India
3Ph.D. Pursuing, MPT (Musculoskeletal Science), Gokul Global University, Sidhpur, Gujarat, India
Corresponding Author: Urvi Goswami
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Coccydynia, defined as pain or discomfort in the coccyx (tailbone) region, is a common condition that significantly affects quality of life and functional ability. Individuals engaged in prolonged sitting, particularly IT workers with suboptimal ergonomic setups, are at higher risk, yet few studies have focused on this population.
Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of coccydynia among IT employees and identify occupational and demographic risk factors. The first objective was to assess prevalence using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The second objective was to examine its impact on work performance, identify ergonomic risk factors, and explore associations between demographic variables and coccydynia development.
Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 200 IT and government employees aged 35–55 years in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, using convenience sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, ODI, Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and ergonomic assessments. Inclusion criteria included ≥1 year of employment, ≥6 hours of daily sitting, and ≥3 months of tailbone pain. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 28.0, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and correlation analysis.
Results: Coccydynia prevalence was 71.0% (95% CI: 64.2–77.8). Mean ODI score was 35.2 ± 16.8, indicating moderate disability. Prevalence was higher in females (75.9%) than males (65.9%) and peaked in the 45–50 age group (75.6%). Prolonged sitting (>6 hours/day, OR = 6.207, p < 0.001) and poor ergonomics (OR = 3.435) were significant risk factors. Work productivity was affected in 91.6%, with 62.7% reporting absenteeism. Pain intensity and disability were strongly correlated (r = 0.742, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Coccydynia is a serious occupational health concern in IT employees. Long sitting hours and poor ergonomics are key modifiable risk factors. The condition significantly affects function and productivity, highlighting the need for workplace ergonomic interventions and health policies.
Keywords: Coccydynia, IT Employees, Occupational Health, Prevalence, Oswestry Disability Index, Ergonomics, Tailbone Pain, Workplace Health, Musculoskeletal Disorders