The tailbone (also known as the coccyx) is located at the very bottom of the spine. Pain to this area can be caused by a number of issues. In this article we will take a look at the various causes of tailbone pain and how to effectively treat these issues and relieve pain.

Injuries & Acute Trauma

Tailbone pain is known in the medical world as Coccydynia. The most common cause of tailbone pain is injury or local trauma. Tailbone injuries can be sustained by falling and landing on your butt, even from relatively small heights.  Falls from ladders, or falls taken while playing sports or exercising are common causes of tailbone pain.

Pregnancy & Childbirth

Another common underlying cause of tailbone pain is childbirth. As a baby passes through the birth canal, the coccyx is subjected to a lot of excess pressure. This pressure can result in injury to the ligaments, discs, and the coccyx bone itself. Many mothers suffer through tailbone pain during and after giving birth.

Pain Relief Options

Most treatment options for tailbone pain are non-surgical. A treatment plan generally begins with conservative treatments such as NSAIDs, applying ice to the affected area, and exercises. One of the worst things about a tailbone injury is that sitting becomes quite painful. To address this issue, there are customized pillows that can ease tailbone pain while sitting. Surgery only becomes necessary when the injury involves the threat of nerve damage, or when the patient experiences loss of feeling and/or bladder control.

If you’re experiencing tailbone pain after an injury or pregnancy, talk to your doctor about forming a treatment plan. They will be able to diagnose your condition, identify the cause of pain, and recommend a course of action to relieve that pain.

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