Tailbone pain can make everyday things feel harder, like sitting at work, riding in a car, or getting comfortable at night. Many people notice it disrupts focus, sleep, and social activities that involve sitting. It affects women more often than men and is common after long periods of sitting, falls, or childbirth1. The good news is that most people start to feel better with simple changes, movement, and guided exercises over time.
What are the symptoms of tailbone pain?
- Sharp or aching pain when sitting, especially on hard chairs
- Pain that increases when leaning back or rising from a chair
- Soreness that spreads to the lower back, buttocks, or genitalia
- Pain during bowel movements
- Pain during or after sexual activity
- Trouble sleeping because of pressure on the tailbone
- Feeling better when leaning forward or using a cushion with a cut-out (like a U shape)
Did you know?
Most people with tailbone pain get better without surgery, even when the pain is very frustrating at first6. Forward-leaning sitting positions and simple cushions can greatly reduce pressure on the tailbone and help you stay active.
What causes tailbone pain?
Tailbone pain happens when the coccyx or nearby tissues become irritated, strained, or overstressed. This can come from a clear event, like a fall, or it can build up slowly from posture, sitting habits, or muscle tension. These factors can raise the risk of developing tailbone pain or make flare ups more likely:
- A fall onto your backside
- Tailbone injury during childbirth
- Sitting for long periods, especially in a slumped position or an a hard surface
- Higher body weight
- Cycling or rowing
- Pelvic floor muscle tension
- Tailbone joint stiffness or too much movement
- Tailbone shape differences (like pointed bones) that increase pressure
Most of these causes are based on studies from radiology, spine, and pain research2 3.
When should I see a doctor?
Most tailbone pain improves with time and activity.
Seek a doctor right away if you notice:
- Severe pain that does not improve after a few weeks
- Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
- New bowel or bladder problems
- Numbness in the groin or saddle area (buttocks, genitals, and inner thighs)
- A new lump, swelling, or signs of infection near the tailbone
- Pain after a significant fall or trauma
How is tailbone pain treated?
Most people recover without surgery. Tailbone pain usually improves with active care and small daily changes. Treatment often includes:
- Education and activity: Learning how to adjust your sitting posture, take breaks, and use cushions to reduce pressure.
- Exercise-based rehabilitation: A structured exercise plan that builds hip and core strength and improves posture. Pelvic floor relaxation can help when muscle tension is involved4.
- Medications:Short courses of anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen for flare ups.
- Injections:Image-guided injections at the tailbone joints or around a small nerve called the ganglion impar may help persistent cases.
- Surgery:Rarely needed. Considered only when symptoms last at least 6 months and other treatments have not worked.
- Recovery timeline:Many people notice steady improvement within 6 to 12 weeks of focused care5.
Sword's approach
Sword Health helps people manage pain and movement issues with expert-guided AI care you can use from home. Our model combines clinical support with modern technology, designed to work around your life.
Sword makes recovery easier and more accessible. You get high-quality care at home, guided by clinicians and supported by smart technology.
- Care that adapts to your progress in real time
- Licensed experts guiding every step
- Simple, non-invasive, evidence-based programs
- Proven results for pain relief, movement, and satisfaction
Clinical insight
