Tailbone Pain Treatment: Understanding Coccydynia
Tailbone pain treatment starts with understanding what’s actually causing it. The medical term for tailbone pain is coccydynia—a fairly rare condition that causes persistent pain at the very bottom of the spine, right at the coccyx, or tailbone. While it isn’t as commonly discussed as neck or lower back pain, it can be just as disruptive to everyday activities like sitting, driving, or even exercising.
What Does Coccydynia Feel Like?
This type of pain is generally described as a bruised feeling or sensitivity over the tailbone area. It’s typically aggravated when pressure is applied directly to the tailbone, such as when sitting on a hard chair for an extended period. Symptoms are usually relieved by standing or walking around, since this removes the pressure from the coccyx.
🪑 Dreading sitting down because of tailbone pain? A proper evaluation can help identify exactly what's driving it.
What Causes Coccydynia?
Most often, the exact cause of coccydynia is unknown. Other identifiable causes include trauma, such as from a fall or during childbirth, abnormal or excessive mobility of the tailbone, and—very rarely—infection, tumor, or fracture. Because a few of these rarer causes can be serious, persistent or severe tailbone pain should always be properly evaluated.
Certain activities and lifestyle factors can also make someone more prone to developing coccydynia, including prolonged sitting on hard or unsupportive surfaces, cycling or rowing, and rapid weight loss, which can reduce the natural cushioning around the tailbone.
3 Ways Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic treatment for coccydynia can be very effective and generally includes a combination of approaches tailored to the individual, addressing both the joint itself and the surrounding soft tissue that may be contributing to ongoing discomfort.
- Adjustments or mobilizations to the coccyx and surrounding spine to restore proper movement and reduce irritation
- Soft tissue therapy to the surrounding muscles and ligaments to relieve tension contributing to the pain
- Lifestyle modifications, such as cushion recommendations or sitting posture adjustments, to reduce ongoing pressure on the tailbone
💺 Ready to sit comfortably again? A treatment plan combining adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and simple lifestyle changes can make a real difference.
Key Takeaways
Coccydynia, or tailbone pain, is often aggravated by sitting and relieved by standing or walking. While the exact cause is frequently unknown, trauma and excessive tailbone mobility are common contributors, along with lifestyle factors like prolonged sitting or cycling. Chiropractic care—through adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and lifestyle changes—offers an effective, non-invasive treatment approach for most cases, without the need for injections or surgery as a first-line option.
Ready to Find Relief From Tailbone Pain?
If you're dealing with persistent tailbone pain, schedule an appointment today to find out how chiropractic care can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coccydynia is the medical term for tailbone pain—a fairly rare condition causing persistent, often bruise-like pain at the very bottom of the spine.
Pressure on the tailbone, such as sitting on a hard chair for a long period, cycling, or rowing, typically worsens coccydynia symptoms. Standing or walking usually provides relief.
In most cases, the exact cause is unknown. When identifiable, common causes include trauma from a fall or childbirth, excessive mobility of the tailbone, and lifestyle factors like prolonged sitting or rapid weight loss. Rarely, it can be caused by infection, tumor, or fracture.
Treatment typically includes adjustments or mobilizations to the coccyx and spine, soft tissue therapy for surrounding muscles and ligaments, and lifestyle modifications to reduce ongoing pressure on the area.
