Overview Causes Symptoms Treatment
What is tailbone (coccyx) pain?
Tailbone pain, also known as coccyx pain or coccydynia, is discomfort or soreness in the coccyx, the small triangular bone at the bottom of the spine just above the buttocks.
Common Related Conditions
Causes of tailbone (coccyx) pain
Tailbone pain (coccyx pain or coccydynia) can develop from a variety of causes involving injury, posture, or soft tissue restriction around the lower spine and pelvis. The most common cause is direct trauma, such as falling backward, a childbirth-related injury, an impact from sports or accidents, as well as repetitive traumas such as prolonged periods of sitting at work, riding bicycles, horseback riding, or similar, which can bruise, dislocate, or fracture the coccyx. Pain may also result from prolonged sitting on hard or uneven surfaces, poor posture, or repetitive strain from activities like cycling or rowing that place constant pressure on the tailbone.
In some individuals, structural or alignment issues — such as abnormal curvature of the coccyx or pelvic misalignment — contribute to chronic discomfort. Additionally, soft tissue factors, including scar tissue, adhesions, or tightness in the pelvic floor or gluteal muscles, can restrict movement and increase pain in the area. Less commonly, inflammation, infection, or referred pain from nearby structures such as the lower back, sacrum, or reproductive organs (e.g., in cases of endometriosis) may cause coccyx pain. In all cases, identifying the underlying cause is key to achieving lasting relief.
Symptoms of tailbone (coccyx) pain
- Chronic constipation
- Difficulty sitting
- Intercourse pain, especially with deep penetration
- Pain or tenderness at the base of the spine, just above the buttocks
- Aching or sharp pain that worsens when sitting or leaning back
- Discomfort when rising from a seated position
- Pain during bowel movements
- Increased discomfort during or after sexual intercourse (in some cases)
- Swelling or bruising around the tailbone area (after injury)
- Pain that radiates to the lower back, hips, or buttocks
- Muscle tightness or spasms in the pelvic floor or gluteal region
- Difficulty finding a comfortable sitting position
- Sensitivity or pressure pain when touching the tailbone area
- Recurrent headaches at the base of the skull
Treatment for tailbone (coccyx) pain
Our non-surgical, drug-free treatment addresses the underlying causes of tailbone pain by restoring normal alignment, mobility, and tissue health. The coccyx is often pulled out of position by tight ligaments and pelvic floor muscles. Using slow, gentle manual techniques, we release these restrictions to allow the tailbone to return toward its natural, pain-free position. In some cases, this work may be performed internally by a gloved finger in the vagina or rectum to access deeper structures safely and precisely.
Because the coccyx plays an important role in sitting comfort, walking, bowel function, and pelvic stability, we also evaluate and treat related areas such as the hips, buttocks, lower back, and sacroiliac joints. Releasing adhesions and soft-tissue restrictions in these regions helps improve overall symmetry, mobility, and function.
Our primary goal is to reduce adhesions, muscle tension, and abnormal forces pulling on the tailbone. Rather than forcing change, we work within the body’s natural limits to create lasting improvements. Depending on your needs, we may also provide personalized home exercises to support flexibility, strength, and long-term results.
Unlike approaches that rely solely on medication or temporary adjustments, our treatment focuses on resolving the root causes of coccyx pain to promote meaningful, long-term relief.
Clear Passage® Therapists have extensive experience treating this delicate area. We do so with the patient’s permission, respect for their privacy and comfort, and professionalism. Patients are totally draped to preserve their modesty at all times during this treatment. We explain what we are going to do, the reason it will help, and explain what we are doing while we are treating.
Other Treatment Options (Surgery Drugs)
Most physicians agree that surgery is a treatment of last resort for coccyx pain. While surgery can address adhesions and other mechanical problems, it also causes more adhesions to form as the body heals from the surgery. Surgically removing part of the tailbone has brought relief for some; for others, it has brought a lifetime of debilitating pain.
Condition Specific Disclaimer:
Clear Passage® Therapy is a specialized, non-surgical manual physical therapy that focuses on reducing adhesions and improving soft tissue mobility. Most of our patients report relief from tailbone pain and the inability to sit for long periods, or have pain-free intercourse. As in all medical procedures, individual results can vary.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Clear Passage® Therapy does not diagnose any underlying medical condition, and it should not replace evaluation by your physician.
Testimonials:
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