What causes tailbone pain (coccydynia)?
Common causes include trauma (falls), prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, or childbirth. Sometimes the cause is unknown (idiopathic).
Condition/Condition Details
Coccydynia
Diagnosis and treatment for tailbone pain that makes sitting difficult, caused by inflammation or injury of the coccyx at the base of the spine.
Experiencing Coccydynia Pain?
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What is Coccydynia?
Coccydynia is pain and inflammation in the coccyx, or tailbone, located at the bottom of the spine. It can make sitting painful and difficult for many patients.
Tailbone pain can result from a fall, repetitive trauma, or childbirth. At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, we use precision imaging and focused exams to clarify the alignment and target the true source of your discomfort.
Symptoms of Coccydynia
Common signs of tailbone pain include:
- Sharp or aching pain over the tailbone
- Pain that worsens when sitting for long periods
- Discomfort when rising from a seated position
- Pain that eases when standing or walking
- Localized tenderness in the tailbone area
Common Triggers of Coccydynia
A direct fall onto the buttocks is the most frequent cause. Other factors include repetitive microtrauma from cycling, childbirth, and prolonged sitting on hard surfaces.
Why does tailbone pain get worse with sitting - and what actually helps?
Sitting concentrates body weight directly onto the coccyx, and reclining slightly backward - the way most people slouch on a sofa - presses on it hardest. That is why coccydynia patients instinctively perch forward on one buttock, and why the pain often spikes on rising after a long sit as the joint reloads.
Practical measures target that mechanism: a wedge or U-shaped cushion that suspends the tailbone, adjusting sitting posture so weight rides on the thighs and sit bones, and limiting long uninterrupted sitting. When pain persists, an examination distinguishes a hypermobile or angulated coccyx from local inflammation, and image-guided options - including a ganglion Impar block, a targeted injection for sacrococcygeal pain - can both confirm the diagnosis and calm it. Surgery is a rare, last-line option reserved for selected cases after conservative care has genuinely been exhausted.
Non-Surgical Tailbone Relief for Coccydynia
Initial management focuses on relieving pressure and reducing inflammation.
- Using specialized cut-out seat cushions
- Rehabilitation for pelvic floor tension
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Ultrasound-guided steroid injections
- Nerve block injections (Impar block)
Coccygectomy for Coccydynia
In rare cases where chronic pain persists despite all conservative efforts, surgical removal of the tailbone may be considered.
Learn More About Coccygectomy Tailbone Removal SurgeryExplore Spine Conditions & Treatments
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Locations Offering Evaluation
Our board-certified specialists offer coccydynia evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat a bruised tailbone?
Use a doughnut or wedge cushion to offload pressure when sitting. Ice, NSAIDs, and avoiding sitting for long periods allow it to heal.
Can the tailbone be removed?
Yes (Coccygectomy). If chronic pain persists despite months of conservative care, surgical removal of the coccyx is highly effective for relief.
How long does tailbone pain last?
Acute pain heals in weeks. Chronic Coccydynia can last months or years without treatment. Injections (Ganglion Impar Block) can break the pain cycle.
Is cycling bad for tailbone pain?
Yes. Cycling puts direct pressure on the coccyx. It should be avoided until the pain has completely resolved.
