Coccydynia — Tailbone Pain

Pain at the very base of the spine, usually after a fall onto the buttocks or after childbirth.

What it is

The coccyx is the small triangular bone at the end of the sacrum. It can be bruised, dislocated or fractured by a direct fall.

It is also strained by prolonged sitting on hard surfaces and can persist long after the initial injury.

How it usually presents

• Sharp, localized pain at the tailbone.
• Much worse sitting, particularly leaning back, and on standing up from sitting.
• Pain with bowel movements.
• Relief when sitting leaning forward or on one buttock.

How we treat it

• Examination and imaging where a fracture is suspected.
• A coccygeal or ganglion impar block for persistent cases.
• A wedge cushion and posture modification, which sound trivial and are genuinely effective.
• Physical therapy including pelvic floor work.

To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment. If this began with a crash or a fall, see accident and injury care.