Coccyx cushion treatment will be most effective if you can use the cushion in the car, at home, at work and everywhere else you need to sit down. You can purchase several inexpensive cushions or opt for one that can travel with you and be used everywhere.  Consistency is key to treating your tailbone pain with a coccyx cushion. Be aware that one cushion may not be suitable for all scenarios. For example, a cushion may help while you are sitting at your desk, but it may not be as effective while you are driving. Try using a cushion in different situations to see when it provides the most benefit. Use the coccyx cushion in a chair with a back that will give you extra support. The cushion naturally helps improve your posture by slightly elevating your hips, and sitting in a chair with a back will help you sit up straight and eliminate pressure on your spine and pelvis. When using a cushion on a chair that is a comfortable height for you, your thighs may be slightly higher than usual. To offset this difference, try using a footstool to make sure your lower body is still in a comfortable position. If the chair is adjustable, then you can also adjust the height of the seat to make yourself more comfortable. Do not use a coccyx cushion with other cushions. Adding extra pillows or cushions will cause you to sit unevenly and in turn, distribute your weight and pressure unevenly, which is unhealthy for your back. The placement of the cushion on the seat can either be flat or slightly slopping. This is most people's preference.  If you need extra height, purchase a thicker coccyx cushion instead of adding extra pillows or padding. If you are putting the cushion on a very soft seat, like couch or plush chair, put a rigid board under the cushion for support. You can add flat ice or hot packs to your coccyx cushions for hot or cold therapy. Wrap the packs in towels and place one on either side of the cut-out area in the cushion.  Some cushions may come with gel insert that you can warm up or freeze before reinserting them and using the cushion. Consult with your physician about whether the effects of ice or hot packs would be beneficial for you. Try to get a coccyx cushion with a removable cover that can be machine washed. This will help you keep your cushion is clean and sanitary. If the coccyx cushion isn't providing sufficient relief to your tailbone pain, then try a different one. For example, you use a coccyx cushion that is made of soft foam and find that it’s not alleviating the pain, upgrade to a cushion made of firmer, denser foam for more support. Cushioning is an individual need, so your cushion needs will be unique.

Summary: Use the cushion everywhere. Sit in a chair with a back. Place the coccyx cushion directly on the seat. Add ice packs or hot packs for added relief. Keep the cushion clean. Upgrade your cushion if necessary.


Even if you made a huge mistake, remember that everything is temporary. You might feel terrible right now, but this feeling will not last forever. Try to keep reminding yourself that the way you feel is only temporary and that should help you start to move forward. Almost everyone has had the experience of messing up something important. In fact, someone you know may have messed up something even worse, and this might put your own problem into perspective. Even if their experiences are different from yours, it will help just to talk, vent, and get things off your chest. If you are having trouble getting friends and family to listen, or if you’re unhappy with their responses to your problem, consider talking with a counsellor or therapist. In some situations, making a mistake may affect others, so you may need to apologize and it is best to make your apology right away. Think about whether your mistake was something that might have hurt someone else. If so, then prepare to apologize to that person. Try saying something like, “I am sorry for what I did. I realize that my actions affected you as well and I feel really bad about that. Can you forgive me?” Holding resentment against yourself will not make it easy to move forward either, so you will need to forgive yourself for what happened. You may find it hard to forgive yourself, but it should become easier with time.  Try writing yourself a letter that expresses understanding about what happened. Imagine that you are writing to yourself as a friend and be kind to yourself in the letter. Repeat “I forgive myself” as you go through your day. The more you say it, the easier it may be to believe it. You may have messed up option X, but keep in mind that you still have other options. Now you can explore those other options, and this process can be exciting. Make a list of new possibilities and courses of action. Allow yourself to dream about how rewarding the entries on your list might be. Planning for the future is a constructive way of moving on and it may help you to feel more in control of the situation.

Summary: Put things into perspective. Reach out to your friends and family for support. Apologize if necessary. Forgive yourself. Make a new plan.


Endangered animals can seem like a far-away problem, but there are likely threatened species, from birds to bears to bugs, in your own neighborhood.   Invasive plants that overrun native vegetation and invasive animals without existing predators can combine to devastate native animal populations. Note the difference between invasive and non-native species; invasive refers specifically to species that thrive and overtake native species. Many non-native plants and animals are just fine. In fact most of our animal and plant foods are not native. When planting, choose plants and flowers that are native to the area.  Native vegetation is more likely to attract native birds, butterflies and other insects, and other animals that may be endangered. Remove invasive weeds and non-native plantings in favor of local varieties. Build bird feeders suited to native species. Eliminate the use of chemical pesticides in your yard or garden in favor of natural deterrents.  Give your local threatened or endangered species a fighting chance to thrive without dealing with unnecessary toxins.  Water runoff can spread pesticide chemicals far from your home as well, so you will be benefiting a larger habitat than you might think.  "Integrated pest management" is an option that relies on "natural" ways to combat pests and unwanted plants. If, for example, you have an aphid problem, try attracting lady bugs that feed on aphids. The feeling among people who practice permaculture (and others as well)is that if you have an abundance of snails or slugs in your garden, the problem isn't the abundance of snails and slugs, it's the lack of ducks who would eat the snails and slugs and keep them in check. Also, start composting to create natural, ultra-locally sourced fertilizer instead of relying on chemical-laced, long-distance hauled store brands. Many people dream of having the huge backyard with the pristine green lawn, but the growing encroachment of humans into wildlife habitats is a major cause of species endangerment.  Consider turning your yard into an edible landscape. In drought-stricken areas like California, focusing on using native and/or drought adapted plants can help animal species survive. When it is time to move to a new home, think carefully about the amount of space you really need.  Also consider the benefits of a smaller space (less mowing, for one!) as well as living in an area of existing development rather than a newly-carved suburban enclave. If moving is not on your to-do list, consider whether it is possible for you to reduce your footprint on your own property.  Would you be able to permit part of your land to return to a more natural state -- for instance, by replacing lawn space with native plantings that you allow to grow freely?
Summary: Look for local species that need help. Grow naturally. Consider your space needs.