Tailbone Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Pain in the lumbar region when lying flat or bending forward?

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about some symptoms I've been experiencing.
For the past two weeks, I've been feeling pain near the left side of my coccyx when lying flat or bending over.
I often wake up at night due to the pain when I turn over, which has affected my sleep quality.
Additionally, my legs and buttocks easily feel numb.
I can't recall any recent falls or injuries, and I'm wondering if this could be due to nerve compression or pelvic misalignment.
How long might it take to heal? Should I go to the hospital for an examination? Thank you for your help in clarifying this.

Tina, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/05

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Pain near the coccyx may be due to inflammation of the periosteum, which can cause pain when touched or pressed.
If there is also a sensation of numbness, it may indicate nerve compression, and it is advisable to visit a hospital for evaluation.
This will help determine the diagnosis and the expected recovery time.

Reply Date: 2018/12/05

More Info

Tailbone pain, medically known as coccydynia, can be a frustrating and debilitating condition that significantly impacts daily life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and recovery.

Causes of Tailbone Pain
Tailbone pain can arise from various factors, including:
1. Trauma or Injury: A fall or direct impact to the tailbone can lead to pain. Even minor injuries can result in inflammation or injury to the surrounding tissues.

2. Poor Posture: Sitting for prolonged periods, especially on hard surfaces, can put excessive pressure on the tailbone, leading to discomfort. Poor posture while sitting can exacerbate this issue.

3. Muscle Strain: Overuse or strain of the muscles and ligaments around the coccyx can lead to pain. This is often seen in individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive movements.

4. Infections or Tumors: Although rare, infections or tumors in the area can cause pain. These conditions typically present with additional symptoms.

5. Nerve Compression: Conditions such as herniated discs in the lower back can lead to nerve compression, resulting in referred pain to the tailbone area.

6. Inflammation: Conditions like coccygeal joint inflammation or sacroiliitis can also contribute to tailbone pain.

Symptoms
The symptoms of tailbone pain can vary but typically include:
- Sharp or aching pain localized around the tailbone, which may worsen with sitting, standing, or transitioning between positions.

- Pain that radiates to the lower back, buttocks, or legs.

- Discomfort during bowel movements or sexual intercourse.

- Increased pain when sitting on hard surfaces or during prolonged sitting.

Treatment Options
1. Self-Care Measures:
- Avoid Prolonged Sitting: Use a cushion or pillow when sitting to relieve pressure on the tailbone.

- Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.

- Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

2. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and improve posture, which may alleviate pressure on the tailbone.

3. Corticosteroid Injections: In cases where pain is severe and persistent, a healthcare provider may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.

4. Surgery: Rarely, if conservative treatments fail and the pain severely impacts quality of life, surgical options may be considered to remove the coccyx (coccygectomy).

When to Seek Medical Attention
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. A thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies (like X-rays or MRIs), may be necessary to rule out other underlying conditions.

Recovery Time
The duration of recovery from tailbone pain varies significantly based on the underlying cause and the treatment approach. Some individuals may experience relief within a few weeks with conservative management, while others may take several months to fully recover, especially if there is an underlying condition contributing to the pain.

Conclusion
In summary, tailbone pain can stem from various causes, and understanding these can help in managing the condition effectively. If you are experiencing persistent pain, especially if it disrupts your sleep or daily activities, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and a quicker return to normal activities.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Severe Hip and Tailbone Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, my brother is 67 years old. Since he underwent knee arthroscopy (without joint replacement) last August, he has been experiencing gradually worsening pain in his right hip and coccyx, which has become increasingly severe over the past month. There are tender points ...

Dr. Li Yanheng reply Rehabilitation
Your pain issue has become chronic, affecting central nervous system pain and neuromuscular regulation. It is recommended that you visit a specialized pain rehabilitation clinic for a comprehensive examination and treatment.

Understanding Tailbone Pain: Causes and When to Seek Treatment

Hello Dr. Chen, two years ago I sustained an injury to the very end of my spine (in the area of my buttocks). At that time, I did not seek medical attention, and the symptoms disappeared after a few months. However, recently I have been experiencing occasional pain and sometimes ...

Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear Ms. U-Jiang, The previous coccyx impact may have only resulted in a bruise, and with proper care and attention, it can gradually heal. However, if not handled carefully or if there is another impact—such as frequently bending over to work, lifting heavy objects, riding a mo...

Understanding Tailbone Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. I have a small question to ask. I have been experiencing soreness in my spine (coccyx area) for over two years. Recently, the soreness has become so severe that I find it difficult to sleep through the night. I also feel discomfort while sitting, which has made dai...

Dr. Zhou Lizhi reply Orthopedics
Coccydynia is often associated with a history of trauma, particularly due to direct impact to the buttocks, which can result in coccygeal dislocation or fracture. Typically, conservative treatment is employed, but patients who sit for prolonged periods or experience changes in we...

Understanding Pain and Discomfort Near the Spine and Tailbone

Hello Dr. Kang, I am 25 years old and have been experiencing pain, tingling, or inflammation in my lower back near the sacrum for the past two to three years. The frequency of the pain has increased this year, with three episodes of more severe symptoms. Each time, I initially ...

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation
Based on your description, I suspect it may be an issue with the sacroiliac (SI) joint (the area you referred to as the two bones in the upper buttocks). If the pain is worst upon waking and improves with movement, it could indicate inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, and you s...