Coccyx (Tailbone) Pain

Coccyx or tailbone pain is also referred to as coccydynia. Coccyx/tailbone pain is often exacerbated in the sitting position but may also occur when changing positions. In most cases, pain will resolve within a few weeks to months, however, some patients the pain can become chronic and begin to impact on everyday life. Coccyx/tailbone pain can arise from traumatic or non-traumatic causes.

There are several factors that can increase an individual’s chance of developing coccyx/tailbone pain. These factors include, age, body mass and gender. Adults and adolescents are more likely to present with coccyx pain than children. With respect to body mass, a higher body mass will result in more pressure placed on the coccyx joint. Females are 5 times more likely to suffer from coccyx/tailbone pain than males. This is likely to be due to the pressures of pregnancy on the coccyx.

Coccyx/tailbone pain is usually described as a “pulling” or “cutting” sensation around the area. It is usually very tender to touch also. Patients will find it extremely uncomfortable when sitting and will often have to shift onto one side of their hip to tolerate sitting. Some patients will also notice that there is difficulty in defaecation and pain with coughing or sneezing. Low back pain or hip pain may develop secondary to coccyx/tailbone pain due to the change in movement and postures in the area.