Tailbone Pain

The tailbone, or coccyx, is a triangular arrangement of 3-5 small bones that makes up the lowest portion of the spine. A traumatic fall or even prolonged sitting on a hard surface can result in an injury to the tailbone. In some cases, although far less common, patients may have degenerative joint changes or experience postpartum tailbone pain. Tailbone pain is generally described as  a persistent, dull ache, punctuated by sharp pains when sitting, or even standing after a long period of sitting. 

Without any medical treatment, tailbone pain typically goes away on its own within a few weeks or months. However, using a doughnut-shaped pillow to sit on, alternating ice and heat on the affected area, and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate tailbone pain as it heals. As part of a conservative treatment plan, tailbone pain can be further reduced with physical therapy, gentle manipulation of the muscles attached to the tailbone, and injections of a local anaesthetic and steroid to more immediately reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Patients with chronic tailbone pain should see a hip surgeon, who may need to rule out other conditions, such as a fracture, tumor, or degenerative conditions.