Experiencing pain in your tailbone can make everyday activities—such as sitting, standing, or even walking—difficult and frustrating. If you've ever wondered, "why does my tailbone hurt?", the answer isn’t always simple. Known as coccydynia, tailbone pain can range from mild discomfort to persistent, severe pain that affects daily life.
While many assume tailbone pain is caused by injury or prolonged sitting, several lesser-known factors could be contributing to coccydynia. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for finding the right treatment and preventing long-term discomfort.
What Is Coccydynia? Understanding Tailbone Pain
Coccydynia is the medical term for pain or discomfort in the coccyx (tailbone), the small, triangular bone at the very bottom of the spine. This pain can occur due to injury, inflammation, or underlying conditions affecting the spine or pelvic region.
Common Symptoms of Coccydynia
- Pain when sitting or standing up – especially after prolonged sitting on hard surfaces.
- Tenderness or soreness at the base of the spine.
- Discomfort worsens with long periods of sitting or certain movements.
- Pain that radiates into the lower back, buttocks, or legs in some cases.
If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it’s important to identify the underlying cause and explore effective treatment options.
Common & Hidden Causes of Coccydynia
Tailbone pain can have multiple causes, some of which may not be immediately obvious.
- Trauma or Injury
- A direct fall onto the tailbone, such as slipping on ice or falling off a chair, can bruise, dislocate, or fracture the coccyx.
- Sports injuries or car accidents can also cause damage, leading to long-term discomfort.
- Prolonged Sitting
- Sitting for long hours on hard or unsupportive surfaces puts excessive pressure on the tailbone.
- Poor posture and slouching can increase stress on the coccyx, making pain worse.
- Childbirth
- During labor, excessive pressure on the tailbone can result in injury or misalignment.
- Postpartum coccydynia is common, particularly in women who experience difficult deliveries or have a history of tailbone issues.
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Weak or overly tight pelvic muscles can pull on the tailbone, leading to chronic tailbone pain.
- This condition often occurs after childbirth, surgery, or in individuals with chronic lower back pain.
- Obesity or Underweight Issues
- Excess weight adds pressure on the coccyx, increasing discomfort over time.
- Conversely, being underweight or having minimal fat padding around the tailbone reduces natural cushioning, making the area more sensitive to pressure or causing tailbone pain when standing up.
- Spinal or Nerve Issues
- Herniated discs, sciatica, or nerve compression in the lower back can lead to referred pain in the tailbone.
- Arthritis in the spine may also contribute to tailbone stiffness and discomfort.
- Infections or Tumors (Rare Cases)
- Though uncommon, cysts, tumors, or infections near the tailbone can cause persistent pain, swelling, or redness.
- If pain is accompanied by fever, numbness, or unexplained weight loss, it’s important to seek medical evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Help for Tailbone Pain
While mild coccydynia often improves with home care, however, you should consult a doctor if:
- Pain lasts longer than a few weeks or worsens over time.
- Sitting, standing, or performing daily activities becomes difficult.
- Numbness, tingling, or severe swelling develops near the tailbone.
- Pain does not improve with home treatments, posture adjustments, or rest.
Our healthcare provider can perform physical exams, imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs), or nerve evaluations to determine the exact cause of the pain.
Effective Coccydynia Treatment Options
Several non-surgical Coccyx pain treatments can help manage pain effectively.
- Physical Therapy
- Strengthening pelvic floor, lower back, and core muscles can provide stability and reduce pressure on the coccyx.
- Stretching exercises improve flexibility and help relieve tension in surrounding muscles.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can help reduce swelling and pain.
- In some cases, muscle relaxants may be recommended to ease tension in the pelvic region.
- Corticosteroid Injections
- Steroid injections into the tailbone area help reduce inflammation and pain, especially for persistent cases.
- These are typically used when other treatments don’t provide relief.
- Chiropractic Adjustments
- Spinal and pelvic realignment can relieve excess pressure on the coccyx.
- Some chiropractors use manual therapy or gentle mobilization techniques to improve posture and mobility.
- Surgical Options (Rare Cases)
- Coccygectomy (removal of the tailbone) is considered only in extreme cases where pain does not improve with any other treatment.
- Surgery is typically a last resort, as recovery can take several months.
Preventing Future Tailbone Pain (Additional Tips)
Making small lifestyle changes can prevent tailbone pain from returning:
- Maintain good posture while sitting and standing.
- Use ergonomic seating (tailbone cushions or memory foam chairs) to support your lower spine.
- Strengthen core and pelvic muscles through exercises like yoga and pilates.
- Avoid prolonged sitting—take breaks and adjust sitting habits when necessary.
By being mindful of these habits, you can reduce stress on the tailbone and prevent recurring pain.
Don’t Let Tailbone Pain Disrupt Your Life
Coccydynia can impact daily life, making it difficult to sit, stand, or move comfortably. However, understanding the hidden causes of tailbone pain can help identify the best treatment approach for lasting relief.
If your tailbone pain persists despite home remedies, it’s time to seek professional help.
Get Expert Treatment for Tailbone Pain
At Apex Interventional Pain & Spine, we specialize in diagnosing and treating tailbone pain with advanced, minimally invasive solutions. Our team provides personalized treatment plans to help you get back to a pain-free life.
Don’t let coccydynia control your life—Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
