What is Coccyx Pain?
- Coccydynia is pain in or around the area of the coccyx, also called the tailbone. This is the last bone at the bottom of the spine (tailbone). You can get it if you injure or strain your coccyx or the surrounding muscles and ligaments.
What causes Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)?
- In most cases the cause of coccydynia is unknown, but it is not limited to the following:
- childbirth
- an injury or accident, such as a fall
- repeated or prolonged strain on the coccyx
- poor posture
- being overweight or underweight
- Less common causes can include a bony growth on the coccyx, the coccyx being too flexible or too rigid, and arthritis.
What are the symptoms of Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)?
- The main symptom is pain and tenderness in the area just above the buttocks.
The pain may:
- Be dull and achy most of the time, with occasional sharp pains
- Make it very difficult to sleep and carry out everyday activities, such as driving or bending over
- Be worse when sitting down, moving from sitting to standing, and standing for long periods
