What is tailbone (coccyx) pain and injury?

Tailbone pain is discomfort or soreness in the coccyx, which is the small bone at the lowest part of your spine.

It is also known as:

• coccyx pain
• coccydynia
• coccygodynia

This type of pain and injury can happen for many reasons.

What are the symptoms of tailbone pain and injury?

Symptoms of tailbone injury may include sharp or dull pain in the lower back, specifically around the tailbone. Sitting for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces, may make the pain worse.

Other symptoms on or around your tailbone may include:

• tenderness
• swelling
• bruising

If you've had a tailbone injury, it may be painful to move or sit down. The pain may worsen when you move between sitting and standing positions. Some people with a tailbone injury find sex or emptying their bowels (pooing) painful.

What causes tailbone pain and injury?

Tailbone pain and injury can happen for many reasons.

Common causes include:

• falling onto your tailbone
• sitting on hard surfaces for long periods of time
• trauma during childbirth

Tailbone pain can also happen without a specific injury to the area. It can also be caused by:

• conditions affecting the joints in your back
• infections
• cancer
• obesity

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor urgently if you have serious coccyx pain. This includes if:

• your pain is getting worse over a few weeks
• you are in distress
• your ability to move is limited
• Also see your doctor if you have:
• symptoms such as numbness, tingling or difficulty moving your lower back and hips
• a fever
• unexplained weight loss
• problems peeing or pooing
• had a significant injury or trauma

How is tailbone pain and injury diagnosed?

To diagnose coccyx pain or injury, your doctor may:

• ask about your pain
• ask about other symptoms
• do a physical examination

You usually won't need x-rays, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. They are sometimes used to rule out other causes of pain such as infection, tumours or fractures.

You can print this off and take it with you to your appointment.

How is tailbone pain and injury treated?

Tailbone pain will often get better without medical treatment.

Here are some ways to help you manage your pain while you wait for your tailbone to heal:

• Use a special cushion, such as a wedge-shaped 'coccygeal cushion'. This helps reduce pressure on the coccyx.
• Apply heat to your tailbone area. Take care not to burn your skin.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken by mouth or used as gels or creams may help relieve pain. Ask your pharmacist if these medicines are right for you, especially if you have other health conditions or take other medicines.
• Physiotherapy, including manual therapy, massage and pelvic floor physiotherapy may help treat coccyx pain.
• Stool (poo) softeners (laxatives) may help to prevent constipation and straining when using the toilet.

Tailbone pain usually resolves within weeks to months. Sometimes the pain becomes chronic (long-term) and your doctor may need to help you manage your condition.

Some treatment options for chronic tailbone pain may include:

• steroid injections or nerve blocks
• shock wave therapy or radiofrequency therapy
• surgery

What are the complications of tailbone pain and injury?

Complications of tailbone pain and injury depend on the cause.

The most common complication is chronic (long-term) pain. This can make daily activities such as sitting or standing for long periods difficult.

Living with ongoing pain can also affect your mental health and wellbeing.

For advice and to get connected to local mental health services, call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.

Can tailbone pain and injury be prevented?

You can't always prevent tailbone pain, but you can reduce the chance of accidents and injuries that may cause it.

There are things you can do to prevent falls, such as:

• staying active and exercising regularly
• installing rails in the bathroom if needed
• using mobility aids when needed

You may also be able to reduce your chance of tailbone pain if you:

• practise good posture, especially when sitting for long periods of time
• use a cushion or pillow to support your lower back while sitting
• avoid sitting on hard surfaces for long periods of time
• take regular breaks from sitting to stretch and move
• do exercises that strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and keep you healthy and strong

Resources and support

• Musculoskeletal Health Australia provides information about back pain and tips to manage and prevent back pain.
• Learn more about the importance of physical activity on the Australian Physiotherapy Association website.
• The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing provides a booklet with advice and tips to prevent falls.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation has information about pain management in several languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Our Mob provides information about pain and pain management for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.