Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain): Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Options

Coccydynia refers to pain or tenderness in the coccyx, commonly known as the tailbone. The coccyx is the final bone at the base of the spine, and pain in this area can occur when the bone itself—or the surrounding ligaments and muscles—become strained or injured.

In most cases, tailbone pain gradually improves over several weeks to months. However, for some individuals, symptoms can persist longer and significantly interfere with daily activities such as sitting, sleeping, or bending.

Common Symptoms of Coccydynia

The pain eventually improves over a few weeks or months but it can persist longer occasionally and even severely affect the ability of the individual to perform daily activities.

The primary symptom of coccydynia is localized pain just above the buttocks, which may present as:

A constant dull or aching pain, with occasional sharp or stabbing sensations
Pain that worsens when:
- Sitting down or standing up from a seated position
- Sitting for extended periods
- Leaning backward while seated
- Having a bowel movement
Difficulty sleeping or performing routine activities

Some individuals may also experience referred discomfort, including lower back pain, hip soreness, or shooting pain down the legs.

When to See a Doctor

Tailbone pain often resolves on its own, but medical assessment is recommended if:

Pain does not improve after several weeks
Pain becomes severe or disabling
There is bleeding, fever, or pain spreading beyond the tailbone area

A physician may perform imaging or physical assessment to rule out more serious causes such as fracture, infection, or inflammatory conditions.

Causes of Tailbone Pain

Coccydynia can develop from a variety of factors, including:

Falls or direct trauma to the tailbone
Childbirth
Poor sitting posture
Repetitive or prolonged pressure on the coccyx (e.g., sitting on hard surfaces)
Being significantly underweight or overweight

Less common causes include arthritis, abnormal coccyx mobility, or bony growths.

Management and Treatment Options

Treatment usually begins with conservative home care, which is effective for most people.

Initial Self-Care Measures

Avoid prolonged sitting where possible
Use a donut or coccyx cushion to reduce pressure
Apply warm or cold packs to the lower back area
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Use over-the-counter pain relief such as NSAIDs, if appropriate

Ongoing or Persistent Symptoms

If pain lasts longer than 8 weeks, additional options may include:

Physiotherapy, stretching, and targeted massage
Corticosteroid or local anesthetic injections

Surgical intervention is rare and only considered when all other treatments fail.

Educational Notice

This content is intended for general education and injury awareness only and should not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. Persistent tailbone pain, especially after trauma, should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Learning how to recognize musculoskeletal injuries and provide early care is an important component of injury management education and first aid training.