Tailbone Pain

Tailbone pain — pain that occurs in or around the bony structure at the bottom of the spine (coccyx) — can be caused by trauma to the coccyx during a fall, prolonged sitting on a hard or narrow surface, degenerative joint changes, or vaginal childbirth.

Tailbone pain can feel dull and achy but typically becomes sharp during certain activities, such as sitting, rising from a seated to a standing position or prolonged standing. Defecation and sex also might become painful. For women, tailbone pain can make menstruation uncomfortable as well.

Tailbone pain, also called coccydynia or coccygodynia, usually goes away on its own within a few weeks or months. To lessen tailbone pain in the meantime, it might help to:

• Lean forward while sitting down

• Sit on a doughnut-shaped pillow or wedge (V-shaped) cushion

• Apply heat or ice to the affected area

Treatment may include a special form of spinal manipulation to address the pain associated with coccygeal pain, addressing the disc that can herniate in a fall or other injury to the coccyx. In office care may speed up your recovery.