Tailbone pain, or coccyx pain, can be a debilitating condition affecting your daily activities and quality of life. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort after a fall or dealing with persistent pain when sitting, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for tailbone pain is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore what tailbone pain is, its symptoms, causes, when to see an orthopaedic specialist, and the available treatments.
Tailbone pain, medically called coccydynia, occurs in the coccyx, the small triangular bone at the bottom of your spine. This pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, severe pain and is often aggravated by sitting or leaning back. The coccyx serves as an attachment point for various muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and although it plays a minor role in overall mobility, pain in this area can be pretty impactful.
Symptoms of tailbone pain can vary depending on the cause and severity. Common symptoms include:
Tailbone pain when sitting or leaning back is a hallmark symptom. This pain can intensify after prolonged periods of sitting.
Pain localized to the area around the coccyx, which can be tender to the touch.
Increased pain during activities such as sitting down, standing up, or bowel movements.
Visible bruising or swelling around the coccyx area, often seen with a bruised tailbone.
Pain that radiates to the lower back, hips, or legs.
Several factors can contribute to tailbone pain:
It is essential to consult with an orthopaedic specialist if you experience:
At OIBO, we believe in the relentless pursuit of better orthopedic care, especially for spine, neck and back issues. Our team consists of multiple world-class, board-certified spine specialists who encounter these problems daily. This hyper-specialization means our patients receive the highest level of care, from treating back pain to managing scoliosis. You can trust our experienced and skilled doctors to provide the expert treatment you need to get back to being yourself.
Learn more about our spine specialists on our Spine, Back & Neck Speciality page.
Treatment for tailbone pain aims to alleviate discomfort and address the underlying cause. Depending on the severity of the condition, options range from nonsurgical to surgical interventions.
Surgery is typically considered a last resort when nonsurgical treatments fail to provide relief. Surgical options include:
Tailbone pain can significantly impact your daily life, making understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options essential. Whether you’re dealing with a bruised tailbone from sitting or severe coccyx pain after an injury, there are various ways to manage and alleviate this discomfort. If you experience persistent or severe tailbone pain, consulting an orthopaedic specialist is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
For more information on spine health and treatment options, schedule an appointment with our experienced orthopaedic team. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities, and we are here to help you find relief from tailbone pain.
Due to overlapping symptoms, tailbone or coccyx pain can sometimes be confused with other conditions. Understanding these conditions and knowing when tailbone pain requires serious medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. In this blog, we’ll explore conditions that can be mistaken for tailbone pain and discuss the signs indicating when tailbone pain might be serious.
Several conditions can mimic tailbone pain due to their similar symptoms:
While tailbone pain is often not severe and can be managed with nonsurgical treatments, some sure signs and symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
Tailbone pain that is severe, persistent, and does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications.
Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements can be a sign of a more severe condition affecting the nerves in the lower spine.
Pain that radiates to the lower back, hips, or legs, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or weakness.
Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs may indicate nerve compression or damage.
Unexplained weight loss or persistent fever could indicate an infection or tumor.
A visible deformity in the coccyx area or severe swelling and bruising may indicate a fracture or severe injury.
Tailbone pain can be serious when accompanied by severe or persistent pain, neurological symptoms, bladder or bowel dysfunction, unexplained weight loss or fever, radiating pain, or visible deformity. If you experience any of these signs, seeking medical attention from an orthopaedic specialist is crucial.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek care promptly.
Patients deserve personalized, outcome-driven care provided by physicians who genuinely care about them. As medicine has become more corporate and transactional, OrthoNJ prioritizes exceptional doctor/patient relationships. This is why we say we have The Power to Put Patients First.
Patients deserve personalized, outcome-driven care provided by physicians who genuinely care about them. As medicine has become more corporate and transactional, OrthoNJ prioritizes exceptional doctor/patient relationships. This is why we say we have The Power to Put Patients First.
Patients deserve personalized, outcome-driven care provided by physicians who genuinely care about them. As medicine has become more corporate and transactional, OrthoNJ prioritizes exceptional doctor/patient relationships. This is why we say we have The Power to Put Patients First.
