Is surgery right for tailbone pain?
Most people with tailbone pain recover without surgery. When symptoms linger, it can be upsetting and confusing, especially when sitting is painful throughout the day. Surgery is never automatic. It is a shared decision between you and your doctor based on your specific symptoms and needs.
Surgery may be discussed when pain is clearly coming from the tailbone, lasts for many months, and continues to limit your daily life even after trying structured conservative care and local injections. Reasons people consider surgery include persistent localized pain, trouble sitting for work or driving, and pain linked to tailbone instability or a small bony spur seen on imaging1.
Even then, many people choose to keep working with physical therapy, cushions, guided movement, and injections before ever considering an operation. A helpful approach is to understand your options, ask questions, and decide what fits your goals and comfort level.
Common surgical options for tailbone pain
Below are procedures your doctor might mention. These are not recommendations, but simple explanations to help you understand the conversation.
- Coccygectomy Removal of part or all of the coccyx. This surgery is designed to reduce pain that comes from a very irritated or unstable tailbone that has not improved with other treatments2.
- Partial Coccygectomy Removal of only the most painful, damaged or deformed (e.g. sharp bony spur) segment of the coccyx. This may be used when imaging shows a very specific problem area that it is clearly causing ongoing pain3.
Your surgeon will help you understand whether your imaging and symptoms match what these surgeries are designed to address.
What to expect during recovery
Recovery after tailbone surgery varies from person to person. Most people can walk the same day, but sitting comfortably usually takes longer. Many people use a cut-out cushion for several weeks and gradually increase sitting time as pain allows.
Typical experiences include:
- Soreness and swelling around the incision for several weeks.
- Changes in sitting tolerance, often improving slowly with time.
- Activity restrictions, such as avoiding long periods of sitting until healing progresses.
- Physical therapy, often focused on gentle mobility and pelvic muscle relaxation once cleared by your surgical team.
Surgery carries risks. The most common is wound infection, which has improved with modern techniques but still needs close monitoring2. Other risks include incomplete pain relief or, in rare cases, recurrence of symptoms. Published studies show that many well-selected patients experience meaningful improvement, but outcomes are not guaranteed1 2.
Your surgeon will explain how these factors apply to your situation.
Did you know?
- Many people with chronic tailbone pain improve with pelvic floor–focused physical therapy, even when the pain has been present for months4.
- A recent review found that modern surgical techniques have lowered infection rates for tailbone removal, giving people safer options when surgery is truly needed2.
Can surgery be avoided?
Yes. Many people improve with non-surgical care, even when symptoms feel stubborn.
Research shows that exercise-based therapy, including muscle relaxation when needed, can reduce pain and improve function for many people with tailbone pain4. Image-guided injections or a ganglion impar block (local anaesthetic is injected near the sensitive nerve to temporarily block pain signals from being sent to the brain) may also offer relief for persistent symptoms.
You can also visit: Physical Therapy for Tailbone Pain to learn how structured movement can help.
Sword Health programs have shown strong engagement and meaningful improvement for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain in general, which can support recovery and help many people avoid surgery altogether5.
If your symptoms are lasting longer than expected, a specialist can help you explore these options before considering an operation.
How Sword can support you before and after surgery
Physical therapy can play an important role in preparing for surgery, supporting recovery, and, in some cases, helping people manage symptoms without surgery. Sword offers physical therapy programs designed to support you at different points along that journey.
Sword supports recovery before and after surgery, with care designed to fit into your life. You receive high-quality physical therapy at home, guided by licensed clinicians and supported by smart technology.
- Care that adapts as your body and recovery needs change
- Licensed physical therapists guiding your care at every stage
- Non-invasive, evidence-based physical therapy programs
Support for preparation, recovery, and long-term movement health
Clinical insight
