Understanding Tailbone Pain: What Causes It and How to Treat It

Tailbone pain, or coccydynia, is discomfort in the lower spine area caused by injury, strain, or prolonged sitting.
It occurs when the coccyx,  a small triangular bone at the bottom of the spine, becomes bruised, inflamed, or dislocated.
This condition leads to pain and discomfort while performing daily activities such as sitting, walking, or running.
The intensity of pain can vary based on the severity of injury and individual posture.

The tailbone connects to several tendons, ligaments, and bones that support posture and movement. When these structures are strained or damaged, it can lead to swelling and pressure in the lower spine. Tailbone pain may result from internal injuries (such as childbirth or strain) or external trauma (like falls or prolonged sitting).

What Are the Causes of Tailbone Pain

Tailbone pain (coccydynia) can result from internal or external injury. Common causes include repetitive strain, falls, prolonged sitting, childbirth, posture issues, or rarely, underlying medical conditions. Below are the key causes explained clearly.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

RSI results from repetitive usage of the tailbone, adding pressure and stress on the tailbone, resulting in the same injury. Activities such as cycling and long periods of sitting can cause undue stress on the tailbone, resulting in pain in the tailbone (coccyx pain).

Falling

The risk of falling is one of the most common reasons for a tailbone injury. In cases where people fall on their buttocks, the tailbone absorbs the impact of the fall. This intensive pulse of effects can cause the bones and cartilage in the tailbone to shatter or break, resulting in coccyx pain.

Sitting on a Hard Surface

An act as simple as sitting can cause tailbone pain. Sitting on hard surfaces for a long time can add pressure to the tailbone as there is minimal cushioning. This pressure over time can result in inflammation of the tailbone and coccyx pain.

Pregnancy/Childbirth

In the third trimester of pregnancy, the body secretes hormones that soften the area between the sacrum and coccyx. This aids in free movement during childbirth. However, this can have a negative impact as it makes the tailbone more vulnerable to stress and injury.

Haemorrhoids

In an individual with haemorrhoids, the tissue that acts as a cushion near the anal opening is inflamed and pushed against the tailbone. This can cause coccyx pain in the tailbone, adding pressure to the bones.

Your Weight

Being overweight or underweight can alter pelvic alignment and put excess strain on the coccyx. Poor posture, especially slouching or leaning backwards while sitting, further increases tension in the lower spine.

Cancer

Though rare, tumours such as chordoma may develop near the coccyx, causing persistent pain unrelieved by rest.

Symptoms often include a noticeable lump, numbness in the groin, bladder issues, and leg weakness. Medical evaluation is essential for early detection.

Chordoma

Chordoma is a condition where a cancerous tumour grows on the tip of the tailbone, skull, or spinal cord. It can cause pain in the tailbone as cancer grows and put pressure on the joints. This can result in deterioration of the tailbone cartilage and inflammation in nearby joints. Its symptoms are often noticeable growth in mass, numbness in the groin region, bladder issues, and weakness in the legs.

What Are the Symptoms of Tailbone Pain?

Tailbone pain (coccydynia) can range from mild discomfort to sharp, persistent pain. Symptoms may vary depending on the injury type, duration, and underlying cause.
Common signs include:

• Persistent or Numbing Pain: A dull ache or sharp pain at the base of the spine, especially when sitting or leaning back.
• Tenderness and Pressure Sensitivity: The area around the coccyx may feel sore or sensitive to touch, even during light contact.
• Shooting Pain During Movement: Pain often increases while standing up, walking, bending, or during activities that stress the lower back.
• Discomfort While Sitting: Sitting for long periods, particularly on hard or uneven surfaces, worsens tailbone pain.
• Pain During Bowel Movements: Internal pressure in the pelvic region can intensify coccyx pain during such activities.
• Pain Radiating to Buttocks or Lower Back: Some people experience pain spreading from the coccyx to nearby muscles and joints.
• Weakness or Fatigue in the Legs: Prolonged pain and posture strain can lead to leg fatigue and poor balance.
• Sleep Disturbance or Restlessness: Chronic discomfort can affect sleep quality and lead to ongoing back tension.

How Is Tailbone Pain Diagnosed?

Tailbone pain is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, posture assessment, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs.
These evaluations help detect fractures, dislocations, soft tissue inflammation, or alignment problems around the coccyx.

• Physical Examination: The physiotherapist or doctor reviews your medical history, checks posture and tenderness, and evaluates the range of motion. They also observe how sitting or standing affects your pain to identify the exact source of discomfort.
• Imaging Tests and Scans: When deeper issues are suspected, imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans are used to detect bone injury, ligament strain, or soft-tissue swelling. These scans ensure an accurate diagnosis and inform the best treatment plan.

Treatments for Tailbone Pain

Tailbone pain treatment depends on severity; most cases respond well to conservative therapy.

Rest, medication, posture correction, and physiotherapy are usually effective in reducing discomfort and restoring mobility.

Here are the most recommended treatment options:

Medications for Tailbone Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers and Anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and muscle tension around the coccyx.. These medications work by improving blood circulation and easing inflammation in the lower spine. They also help manage pain caused by injury, prolonged sitting, or muscle strain, allowing better comfort and mobility during recovery.

Posture Correction and Sitting Support

Posture is a necessary treatment for tailbone pain. Ensuring the person maintains good posture while sitting and working, and taking breaks between long sitting periods can help reduce coccyx pain and help strengthen the bones.

Using chairs and mattresses that are soft and offer support can reduce coccyx pain in the tailbone.

Guided Exercises and Stretches

Exercises are essential in strengthening the tailbone and the muscles in the lower back region. This can help reduce the frequency of injuries to the tailbone and the muscles. Tailbone pain relief can help improve movement in the lower back and help flexion of the condition.

Physical Therapy

Physiotherapy for tailbone pain focuses on relieving inflammation, improving posture, and strengthening lower back support.

Physical therapy is an effective treatment plan for tailbone injuries. It not only improves mobility but also reduces inflammation and strengthens the muscles.

Physiotherapy may include massages, heat and cold therapy, ultrasound treatment, and posture correction techniques, which help manage pain, provide comfort, and strengthen the muscles and bones in the region.

Consistent sessions with a qualified physiotherapist can significantly enhance recovery and prevent future episodes of coccyx pain.

Manual Therapy and Soft-Tissue Techniques

Manual therapy focuses on hands-on techniques to relieve deep tissue tension and improve joint mobility.
It includes myofascial release, joint mobilisation, and soft-tissue manipulation around the coccyx and pelvic area. These methods help reduce stiffness, enhance circulation, and promote faster healing.

Surgical Treatment (Last Resort)

In some instances, surgery might be considered to help manage ligament tears or muscle injuries in the tailbone area. Surgery may be suggested if there is any damage to the cartilage in the bones to ease pain and achieve tailbone pain relief. This is reserved for severe, chronic cases after thorough medical evaluation.

How to Prevent Tailbone Pain

Preventing tailbone pain involves maintaining proper posture, using cushioned seating, and taking frequent movement breaks during long sitting hours.
Regular stretching, gentle exercise, and core-strengthening routines help improve flexibility and reduce strain on the coccyx and lower back.

Practical ways to prevent tailbone pain include:

• Avoid prolonged sitting: Take short breaks to stand, walk, or stretch every 30–45 minutes.
• Use ergonomic chairs: Choose seating with soft cushioning or coccyx support to reduce pressure.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Balanced body weight prevents unnecessary strain on the spine and tailbone.
• Stretch regularly: Perform gentle back and pelvic stretches to maintain flexibility and posture.
• Seek physiotherapy early: If pain persists or recurs, early physiotherapy intervention helps prevent chronic tailbone pain.

Treat Tailbone Pain with Expert Physiotherapy at Physiotattva

At Physiotattva, physiotherapists design tailored treatment plans for tailbone pain using guided exercise, posture correction, and manual therapy.

Our experts combine advanced physiotherapy techniques with evidence-based rehabilitation to relieve pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the lower back.

With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and personalised recovery programs, we help patients address the root causes of tailbone pain (coccydynia) and prevent recurrence.

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.

FAQs

Why does my tailbone hurt?

Your tailbone may hurt when there is an injury to it. This can be a result of a high impact on the tailbone. It can also be due to damage to the ligaments or muscles in the region.

Can tailbone pain be cured?

Tailbone pain can be managed effectively with the right kind of rehabilitation. It can be ordered through rest, medication, and physiotherapy. The tailbone is prone to injury and can be a recurring thing. However, tailbone pain relief can be managed through strengthening exercises.

How long does tailbone pain last?

Tailbone pain usually improves within a few weeks with rest, posture correction, and simple treatments. If the pain lasts longer than two months, it may be a chronic condition that needs physiotherapy.

When should I see a physiotherapist for tailbone pain?

See a physiotherapist if your tailbone pain makes sitting or moving difficult, or if it doesn’t improve after a few days of home care. Early treatment helps prevent long-term discomfort.

Can sitting posture cause tailbone pain?

Yes. Poor sitting posture or sitting on hard surfaces for long hours can increase pressure on the coccyx and cause tailbone pain. Using a cushioned seat and keeping your back straight helps reduce strain.

Is tailbone pain serious?

Most tailbone pain is mild and improves with rest and good posture. However, if the pain is severe, persistent, or radiates to other areas, it’s best to consult a doctor or physiotherapist for proper evaluation.