Why Does My Tailbone Hurt? Hidden Causes of Coccydynia You Should Know

Tailbone discomfort can be surprisingly disruptive, affecting your ability to sit, walk, or even perform everyday tasks. If you've found yourself asking, “Why is my tailbone hurting?” you're not alone. This condition, known as coccydynia, may seem straightforward but often stems from a variety of hidden causes.

Although common triggers include trauma or prolonged sitting, there are several other factors that might be contributing to your tailbone pain. Identifying these root causes is essential to effective treatment and long-term relief.

What Is Coccydynia?

Coccydynia refers to pain localized at the coccyx, the small bone at the very base of your spine. This discomfort can develop gradually or result from sudden injury, and it often worsens when sitting or transitioning between sitting and standing.

Recognizing the Signs of Tailbone Pain

You may be dealing with coccydynia if you experience:

• Sharp or aching pain when seated for long periods
• Discomfort when rising from a chair
• Tenderness at the end of your spine
• Pain spreading to the lower back or buttocks

Persistent symptoms should prompt further evaluation to uncover the cause.

Surprising Causes of Tailbone Pain

Coccydynia doesn’t always result from a visible injury. Here are some commonly overlooked reasons:

1. Falls and Trauma

Landing directly on your tailbone, such as from slipping, can bruise or dislocate it, leading to ongoing pain.

2. Extended Sitting

Staying seated on hard surfaces, especially with poor posture, places extra stress on the coccyx over time.

3. Childbirth Strain

During delivery, pressure on the tailbone may result in misalignment or irritation, particularly in difficult or prolonged labors.

4. Pelvic Floor Imbalance

Muscle dysfunction in the pelvic floor can pull on the tailbone, creating chronic discomfort, often seen in postpartum individuals.

5. Weight Factors

Excess body weight can compress the tailbone, while being underweight reduces natural cushioning, both contributing to pain.

6. Spinal/Nerve Issues

Conditions like herniated discs or nerve impingement in the lower spine can radiate pain to the coccyx.

7. Infections or Masses (Rare)

Though uncommon, infections or growths near the coccyx can also cause swelling, warmth, and pain.

When to Contact a Healthcare Professional

Seek medical attention if:

• The pain lasts more than a few weeks
• It worsens with time or interferes with mobility
• You experience numbness, swelling, or systemic symptoms like fever

A provider may use imaging or physical assessments to identify the exact source of your discomfort.

Treatment Options for Coccydynia

You don’t always need surgery to relieve tailbone pain. Conservative and interventional treatments are often effective:

1. Physical Therapy

Targeted exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and core can reduce pressure on the coccyx and improve posture.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Over-the-counter NSAIDs help minimize inflammation and provide temporary relief.

3. Injections

Steroid injections in the affected area can alleviate inflammation and offer longer-term pain control.

4. Chiropractic Care

Manual adjustments may correct spinal misalignments and ease stress on the coccyx.

5. Surgical Intervention (Rare)

A coccygectomy or tailbone removal is considered only when all other options fail and pain severely impacts quality of life.

Tips to Prevent Tailbone Discomfort

Adopt these habits to reduce your risk:

• Sit upright with lumbar support
• Use a coccyx cushion or soft seat
• Take movement breaks during long sitting periods
• Strengthen your back and pelvic muscles through regular stretching or yoga

You Don’t Have to Live With Tailbone Pain

Coccydynia, or tailbone pain, can be incredibly frustrating, making simple activities like sitting, standing, or walking uncomfortable. While the pain can range from mild to severe, the good news is that it is manageable.

Understanding the underlying causes of tailbone pain, both common and more obscure, can help you get a clear path toward targeted, effective treatment. For instance, issues like poor posture, injury, or pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to persistent discomfort, but with the right care, these factors can often be addressed. If home remedies such as sitting on cushions or using ice packs aren't providing sufficient relief, it's important to seek professional advice.

A visit to a pain specialist or a physical therapist trained in tailbone-related conditions can make a huge difference. These experts can offer a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of your pain and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which could include therapies like physical therapy, medication, or even more advanced options like corticosteroid injections. Don’t let tailbone pain limit your life, there are effective treatments available to help you move more comfortably and confidently, restoring your quality of life.