Tailbone pain is felt at the very bottom of the spine, just above the buttocks. It often gets worse when you sit, lean back or stand up from a chair, which can make work, driving and everyday life uncomfortable. At Innovation Spine Medical, we evaluate what’s causing your tailbone pain and discuss non-surgical options that may help.
Coccydynia is the medical term for pain in the coccyx, or tailbone, the small triangular bone at the base of the spine. The tailbone supports you when you sit and anchors several muscles, tendons and ligaments of the pelvic floor. When it’s bruised, strained, moving abnormally or inflamed, it can cause persistent pain.
Pain at the base of the spine, often sharp or aching
Pain that’s worse when sitting, especially on hard surfaces or leaning back
Pain when moving from sitting to standing
Tenderness to the touch over the tailbone
Pain during bowel movements or intercourse in some cases
landing on the buttocks
which can strain or injure the tailbone
from activities like cycling or rowing
(too much or too little)
Consider an evaluation if tailbone pain lasts more than a few weeks, makes sitting difficult or keeps returning.
See a doctor promptly if tailbone pain comes with fever, unexplained weight loss, a lump, numbness in the groin or changes in bladder or bowel control.
Call our office if you notice redness, warmth or drainage at an injection site, a fever, pain or swelling that keeps getting worse, or new numbness or weakness.
Seek emergency care right away if you have trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Your provider reviews your history and examines the area. X-rays taken while sitting and standing may show abnormal tailbone movement, and MRI may be used in some cases. Your provider also checks for pain coming from the lower back or SI joints.
Tailbone pain treatment usually starts with conservative care:
cushions with a cutout and taking breaks from sitting
Many cases improve within weeks to a few months with conservative care. Pain lasting longer should be evaluated.
Sitting puts direct pressure on the coccyx. If the area is injured or inflamed, that pressure causes pain.
Yes. Most people improve with non-surgical treatment. Surgery to remove the tailbone is considered only rarely.
Wedge or donut-style cushions with a cutout at the back can reduce pressure on the tailbone.
Schedule an evaluation at our Rego Park office to find relief options for your tailbone pain.
