Coccydynia, commonly known as tailbone pain, is a condition in which an individual can feel discomfort in the small bone at the bottom of spine called the coccyx. This condition can arise from various factors, including falls, prolonged sitting, or childbirth. Individuals with coccydynia may experience a mild pain or sharp pain in the lower back, especially when moving from sitting to standing or during bowel movements. 

Initially, this discomfort can be resolved with self-care, like using cushioned seating and avoiding prolonged sitting. However, continuous pain may require medical treatment. These can include physical therapy, pain-relieving injections, or, in rare cases, surgical procedures to remove part or all of the coccyx. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for coccydynia is essential for effective management and relief.​ 

In this article, we will explain what coccydynia is, the root causes of coccydynia, its symptoms, and its treatment. We will also discuss the best Coccydynia pain management clinic. So, let’s get started.

What Is Coccydynia?

Coccydynia is the pain that happens in the tailbone area, also called the coccyx. This is a small bone located at the bottom of the spine that helps support your body when you sit. Coccydynia or tailbone pain usually starts after a fall, sitting for too long, or after childbirth. The pain can feel sharp or achy, especially when sitting or getting up.

Doctors can treat coccydynia in simple ways. They can suggest that using cushions, taking rest, and doing gentle stretches often help. Sometimes, physical therapy or small injections are given to reduce pain and swelling. In rare cases, surgery might be needed. These treatments make daily life easier and reduce pain. Many people get better with time and care. If the pain does not go away, it is important to talk to a doctor. 

What Causes Coccydynia?

Coccydynia, or tailbone pain, can happen for many reasons. Knowing the cause is important because it helps in choosing the right treatment. While the pain starts in a small bone at the end of the spine, the reason behind it can be different for each person.

Injury or Fall

One common cause of coccydynia is falling directly on the tailbone. This can injure, break, or move the bone, leading to pain. A sudden fall or impact on the tailbone can bruise, dislocate, or even break it.

Prolonged Sitting

Sitting for long periods, especially on hard or uncomfortable surfaces, puts pressure on the coccyx and may cause pain.

Childbirth

Childbirth is another reason, as the tailbone can get strained during delivery. During delivery, the tailbone can be pushed, especially in difficult or prolonged labor.

Repetitive Strain

Activities like cycling or rowing, which put repeated pressure on the tailbone, can lead to inflammation and pain.

Degenerative Conditions

Conditions like arthritis or degenerative disc disease can affect the coccyx and result in pain.

Poor Posture

Slouching or sitting in the wrong position regularly may add stress to the tailbone over time.

Obesity or Underweight

In some cases, being overweight or underweight can affect how the tailbone handles pressure. Being overweight increases pressure on the coccyx, while being underweight offers less cushioning for the bone.

Infections or Tumors

Rarely, infections, bone growths, or tumors in the area can cause pain, too. Infections or abnormal growths near the coccyx can also cause pain.

Unknown Causes

Sometimes, the exact cause is not clear, but the pain is still real and can be managed.

Symptoms of Coccydynia

Knowing the symptoms of coccydynia can help people understand the condition better and get the right treatment on time. Here are the most common symptoms of coccydynia:

Pain While Sitting – Pain often gets worse when sitting, especially on hard surfaces. This is because the body’s weight puts pressure on the tailbone.

Pain When Standing Up – Moving from sitting to standing can cause a sharp or aching pain in the tailbone area.

Pain During Bowel Movements – Some people may feel discomfort in the tailbone while using the bathroom.

Tenderness Around the Tailbone – The area near the tailbone may feel sore or sensitive to touch.

Localized Swelling – In some cases, swelling or inflammation around the tailbone may be present.

Radiating Pain – The pain may radiate to the lower back, buttocks, or even down the legs in severe cases.

Pain During Activities – An Individual can feel pain during activities like cycling, bending, or lifting. 

Treatment For Coccydynia

Coccydynia can cause ongoing discomfort, but the good news is that there are many ways to treat it. Most people feel better with simple care at home or basic medical help. The treatment depends on how serious the pain is and how long it has lasted. Here are some medical treatments for coccydynia:

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the tailbone area.

Physical Therapy

Engaging in physical therapy can improve posture, strengthen pelvic muscles, and enhance flexibility. Therapists may use some techniques such as manual manipulation, massage, and targeted exercises to relieve discomfort.

Injections

For more persistent pain, healthcare providers might recommend injections:

Corticosteroid Injections: Administered near the coccyx to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. ​

Nerve Blocks: Injections that numb the nerves transmitting pain signals from the coccyx. ​

Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) Therapy

This minimally invasive procedure uses electrical fields to modulate nerve activity, aiming to reduce chronic pain without causing significant tissue damage.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)

ESWT involves delivering shock waves to the affected area to promote healing and alleviate pain. This therapy has shown promise in treating chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including coccydynia.

Ganglion Impar Block

This procedure targets the ganglion impar, a nerve cluster near the coccyx. Blocking these nerves can provide significant pain relief for some individuals.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

TENS therapy uses low-voltage electrical currents to interfere with pain signal transmission, offering relief for some patients with coccydynia.

Surgical Intervention (Coccygectomy)

In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical removal of part or all of the coccyx may be considered. This procedure, known as coccygectomy, is typically a last resort due to the extended recovery period and varying success rates.

Top Coccydynia Pain Management in Chandigarh – Pain Medics Clinic

Pain Medics Clinic is a trusted name for people suffering from coccydynia (tailbone pain) in Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula. We are known for providing expert care with a focus on accurate diagnosis and effective pain relief. At our clinic, we understand how painful and limiting coccydynia can be, especially when sitting, standing, or doing daily activities. That is why we offer specialized, non-surgical treatments designed to reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

Our team of highly experienced doctors uses the latest medical techniques to treat tailbone pain without the need for surgery. Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan, created to target the root cause of their pain. Whether your tailbone pain started after a fall, long sitting hours, or without any clear reason, we work to help you move freely and feel comfortable again.

Contact Pain Medics Clinic today and make your life pain-free. 

Contact Details:

Clinic Name – Pain Medics Clinic

Address – SCO 212, Sector 40D, Chandigarh, 160036

Phone Number – +91 94787 67649

Email – painmedicsclinic@gmail.com