Coccydynia
Coccydynia is pain involving the coccyx, commonly known as the tailbone. The discomfort is typically localized at the very bottom of the spine and often becomes worse while sitting, changing positions or placing direct pressure on the area.
What Is Coccydynia?
The coccyx is the small group of bones located at the bottom of the spinal column. Injury, inflammation or abnormal movement in this region can cause persistent tenderness and pain, especially when pressure is placed directly on the tailbone.
Why Sitting Can Hurt
Sitting places additional pressure on the coccyx and surrounding soft tissues. Hard surfaces, prolonged sitting and leaning backward may increase that pressure, which is why discomfort often becomes more noticeable during seated activities.
How Tailbone Pain May Feel
Coccydynia usually causes localized discomfort around the coccyx, although the severity and activities that trigger symptoms can vary.
Common Symptoms May Include:
What Causes Coccydynia?
Tailbone pain most often develops after injury or repeated pressure, but several different conditions can affect the coccyx and surrounding tissues.
Direct Trauma
Falling backward or landing directly on the tailbone can bruise, fracture or irritate the coccyx and surrounding tissues.
Childbirth
Pressure placed on the coccyx during childbirth can sometimes cause injury, inflammation or changes in movement of the tailbone.
Abnormal Coccyx Movement
Excessive mobility or instability of the coccyx can strain nearby ligaments, muscles and pelvic floor structures and contribute to pain.
Other Causes
Less commonly, infection, cysts, tumors or other abnormalities near the coccyx may contribute to persistent tailbone pain.
How Coccydynia Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with understanding where the pain occurs, what triggers it and whether an injury or other condition may be responsible.
Your provider will review when symptoms began, previous injuries and activities that worsen or improve the pain.
The coccyx and surrounding tissues may be examined for tenderness, swelling, mobility or structural abnormalities.
Imaging may be used following trauma or when fracture, displacement or bony abnormalities are suspected.
MRI may be appropriate when additional evaluation of soft tissues, inflammation or other underlying causes is needed.
Treating Tailbone Pain
Many cases of coccydynia improve with conservative treatment. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.
Pressure Relief
Coccyx cushions and modifications to sitting position may reduce direct pressure and improve comfort during recovery.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory or pain medications may be recommended when appropriate to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Heat & Cold Therapy
Ice may help with discomfort after an acute injury, while heat may help relax surrounding muscles and improve comfort.
Targeted Injections
Steroid or other targeted injections may be considered when persistent inflammation and pain do not respond to conservative care.
When Sitting Becomes Painful, It May Be Time for an Evaluation.
Tailbone pain following a fall or other injury often improves with time, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated. A pain specialist can help determine whether the discomfort is coming from inflammation, abnormal coccyx movement, injury or another condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Experiencing Persistent Tailbone Pain?
Schedule a consultation to determine the cause of your pain and discuss options for relieving discomfort.