Coccydynia (tailbone pain)

Overview

Coccydynia is pain localised to the coccyx, usually worse with sitting or moving from sitting to standing. It often follows a fall or childbirth and typically improves with load management, cushioning and time.

Symptoms

• Pain over the tailbone, worse when sitting
• Discomfort moving from sitting to standing
• Tenderness when pressing on the coccyx
• Pain with prolonged sitting on hard surfaces

Causes

• A fall onto the tailbone
• Childbirth
• Prolonged sitting or repetitive pressure

Treatment

• Cushioning and sitting modification
• Pain relief and activity pacing
• Pelvic-floor and mobility exercise
• Injection or specialist review for persistent cases