Tailbone Pain

Pain in the area of the coccyx (tailbone) is called coccydynia. The coccyx is a bony structure located at the base of the spine or tailbone. The ligaments and tendons surrounding the coccyx can become tender and painful.​

Coccydynia can be anything from discomfort to acute pain, and its duration varies between patients. The name describes a pattern of symptoms (pain brought on or aggravated by sitting), so it is really a collection of conditions, which can have different causes and need different treatments.

The causes of coccygeal pain are numerous and include unstable coccyx, spur, misalignment, muscle spasm, pilonidal cyst, tarlov cyst, neuropathy, cancer, referred pain, neuropathic pain, previous medical procedures, or factitious/imaginary pain.

​Coccydynia can occur after falls, childbirth and repetitive strain or surgery. In some cases, the cause is unknown. The pain can disappear by itself or with treatment, or it can continue for years, and may get worse. It is five times more common in women than men, probably because the female pelvis leaves the coccyx more exposed. It appears that in most cases an unstable coccyx, which causes chronic inflammation, causes the pain.

If You Have Coccydynia or Tailbone Pain Schedule an Appointment with Us!