Tailbone Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Relief Options

Does it hurt when you sit down or stand up after sitting for a while? Tailbone pain can catch you off guard, making everyday tasks uncomfortable and frustrating. It’s a common issue that many people face, often caused by things like injury, poor posture, or extended sitting. The discomfort may feel sharp, dull, or achy—but it doesn’t have to take over your life. 

With the right understanding and approach, you can find relief and get back to feeling more like yourself, one step at a time.

What Is Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)?

Coccydynia, or tailbone pain, refers to discomfort felt at the bottom of your spine, specifically in the coccyx area. This small, triangular bone can become irritated or inflamed due to pressure, injury, or unknown reasons. You might notice the pain when sitting, standing up, or leaning back. It may feel sharp, dull, or achy, depending on the cause. 

Though it can be frustrating, tailbone pain is typically not serious and often improves with time, self-care, or medical support. Understanding it better is the first step towards managing and easing the discomfort.

Symptoms Of Tailbone Pain

Tailbone pain presents differently for each person, but common signs help you recognise and track it. The discomfort can be mild to intense, affecting your ability to sit or move comfortably.

Here are the common symptoms:

• Pain while sitting: You may feel sharp or throbbing pain when seated, especially on hard surfaces.
• Increased pain when rising from sitting: Standing up after sitting for a while may trigger a sharp ache.
• Localised tenderness: You might notice soreness or sensitivity at the base of your spine.
• Pain during bowel movements: Some people experience discomfort when passing stool due to added pressure on the coccyx.
• Pain during sex: This may affect some individuals due to strain on the pelvic area.
• Bruising or swelling: If caused by trauma, visible signs may appear near the tailbone
• Discomfort when leaning back: Reclining or poor posture can worsen the sensation.
• Relief when standing or lying down: Pain usually lessens when pressure on the coccyx is removed.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, noting when and how they occur can help guide your tailbone pain treatment.

What Causes Tailbone Pain?

There are various tailbone pain causes, and understanding them helps in choosing the right management approach. In many cases, pain stems from external or internal pressures on the coccyx.

Some possible causes include:

• Direct injury: A fall or trauma can bruise, dislocate, or even fracture the coccyx.
• Prolonged sitting: Especially on hard or narrow surfaces, which puts pressure on the area.
• Repetitive strain: Activities like cycling or rowing may cause constant friction.
• Childbirth: The coccyx can become strained during delivery, especially if it was a difficult labour.
• Degenerative changes: Age-related wear and tear can lead to joint or disc issues.
• Obesity or sudden weight loss: Both can alter how your body weight affects the coccyx.
• Tumours or infections: Though it's, these can lead to persistent tailbone discomfort.

What Causes Tailbone Pain Without Injury?

Not all tailbone pain results from a fall or direct trauma. Some people experience pain with no obvious injury, which can be just as uncomfortable and confusing.

Here are common reasons:

• Poor posture: Sitting incorrectly for extended periods may strain your tailbone.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Long hours sitting without movement can lead to pressure build-up.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction: Muscle imbalance can cause referred pain in the coccyx.
• Hormonal changes: These may affect joints and ligaments, especially during menstruation or menopause.
• Arthritis: Inflammation in nearby joints can lead to tailbone discomfort.
• Nerve-related conditions: Some spinal or nerve disorders may create pain in the tailbone region.

Identifying non-injury causes is key to finding effective tailbone pain relief that’s tailored to your situation.

How Is Coccydynia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis often starts with a detailed discussion about your symptoms and medical history. Being honest about your discomfort helps healthcare providers understand what might be causing the pain.

Steps involved in diagnosis:

• Physical examination: Your doctor may gently feel the coccyx area for swelling, tenderness, or alignment issues.
• Posture assessment: They’ll observe how you sit, stand, and move to evaluate pressure distribution.
• Pain history: You’ll be asked when the pain began, what makes it better or worse, and how it’s affecting your life.
• Mobility checks: Movement tests may be done to identify any related muscular issues or limitations.
• Rectal examination (in some cases): This helps check for internal issues pressing on the tailbone.
• Medical history review: Any past injuries, surgeries, or conditions that might be relevant will be discussed.
• Referral to a specialist: If the cause is uncertain, your GP may recommend that you see a musculoskeletal or pain specialist.

Early diagnosis can make your tailbone pain treatment more effective.

What Tests Can Help Diagnose Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia)?

When physical exams don’t reveal enough, imaging or specialised tests may be used to get a clearer picture of what’s happening around your coccyx.

Helpful diagnostic tests include:
 

• X-ray: This basic scan shows any fractures, dislocations, or unusual bone alignment.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Useful for identifying soft tissue injuries, inflammation, or tumours.
• CT scan: Provides a detailed view of bone structures and any hidden abnormalities.
• Bone scan: Helps detect infections or changes in bone metabolism.
• Pelvic ultrasound: May be used if the pain could be related to nearby organs.
• Dynamic sitting/standing X-rays: These show how your coccyx moves or responds under different pressures.
• Nerve conduction tests: If nerve involvement is suspected, these tests check for signs of compression or damage.

Your doctor will decide which tests suit your specific symptoms and medical history.

How Is Tailbone Pain Treated?

Most people recover from tailbone pain using a combination of home care and medical help. Treatment focuses on easing pain, reducing pressure, and helping the area heal.

An individualised plan often works best, especially when the cause is unclear. Below are the common options used.

Home Remedies For Tailbone Pain

Small changes at home can make a big difference.

• Cushioned seating: Use a doughnut or wedge-shaped cushion to reduce pressure.
• Heat or cold therapy: Apply a warm pad or ice pack for 15–20 minutes.
• Gentle stretching: Yoga or light stretches help ease tension around the coccyx.
• Avoid long sitting periods: Take breaks and move around every 30 minutes.
• Wear loose clothing: Avoid tight trousers that press on your lower back.

Nonsurgical Treatments For Tailbone Pain

If home care isn’t enough, you may benefit from medical therapies.

• Anti-inflammatory medication: Pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Physical therapy: Tailored exercises improve posture and strengthen supporting muscles.
• Manual manipulation: A trained therapist may help realign or relax the coccyx area.
• Corticosteroid injections: These provide short-term relief by reducing inflammation.
• Pelvic floor therapy: If muscles are tight or are imbalanced, therapy can relieve pressure.

Surgical Treatments For Tailbone Pain

Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered if all else fails.

• Coccygectomy: This involves removing part or all of the coccyx. It’s generally a last-resort option when pain is severe and persistent.
• Minimally invasive procedures: Newer methods aim to reduce healing time and complications.

Surgery comes with risks, so it’s typically only recommended after exploring every other avenue.

Additional Treatments

Some people find relief with complementary therapies.

• Acupuncture: Helps stimulate healing and reduce pain signals.
• Chiropractic care: Can offer gentle adjustments that reduce pressure.
• Counselling or CBT: Chronic pain can affect your mood, and talking therapies can provide support.

Discuss these options with a qualified professional before starting.

How Can I Lower My Risk Of Developing Coccydynia Or Tailbone Pain?

While not all causes are preventable, certain habits may reduce chances of developing coccyx pain.

Here’s what you can do:

• Practice good posture: Sit upright and avoid slumping.
• Take movement breaks: Don’t stay seated too long—stand and stretch regularly.
• Use supportive seating: Choose cushioned chairs or add a support pillow.
• Maintain a healthy weight: This helps reduce excess pressure on your lower back.
• Exercise regularly: Gentle activity keeps muscles flexible and joints strong.
• Stay hydrated and eat well: Supports overall spine and joint health.
• Be careful with high-impact sports: Use a proper gear and avoid falls where possible.

Prevention isn’t always possible, but small changes can make a noticeable difference in protecting your coccyx.

Conclusion

Tailbone pain, though uncomfortable, is usually manageable with the right approach. By understanding its symptoms and causes—whether due to injury, posture, or underlying conditions—you can make informed decisions to find relief. 

Simple lifestyle adjustments, proper diagnosis, and suitable treatments can help ease discomfort and support recovery. If your symptoms persist, seeking professional evaluation is a wise next step.

For accurate and reliable testing, consider Metropolis Healthcare, known for its 40+ years of diagnostic excellence and advanced lab services trusted by doctors across India.

FAQs

What exercises are good for a sore tailbone?

Gentle stretches like a child's pose, pelvic tilts, and yoga help reduce tailbone pressure and improve flexibility without causing further discomfort.

What kind of doctor treats tailbone pain?

A general physician, orthopaedic specialist, or pain management doctor can evaluate and guide appropriate treatment for ongoing tailbone pain or related issues.

How do I fix my tailbone pain?

Use cushions, apply heat or cold, improve posture, and seek medical advice for targeted treatment based on the cause of your pain.

What can be mistaken for tailbone pain?

Lower back conditions, pelvic floor dysfunction, or rectal disorders can mimic tailbone pain, so accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment.

Is walking good for coccyx pain?

Yes, gentle walking can improve blood flow and reduce stiffness, but avoid overexertion or uneven surfaces that might worsen the discomfort.