Symptoms:
Tailbone Pain (Coccyx Pain) — Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Understand Tailbone (Coccyx) Pain

Tailbone pain—also called coccydynia—is discomfort near the lower end of the spine, around the coccyx. It can make simple acts like sitting, standing, or cycling quite painful. If you’re experiencing persistent pain in that region, it’s important to get an expert evaluation to identify the cause and get relief.

Common Causes

Tailbone pain may result from various factors, including:

• Trauma (falls or direct blows)
• Repetitive strain (cycling, prolonged sitting on hard surfaces)
• Childbirth (pressure on the coccyx)
• Degenerative changes or arthritis of the sacrococcygeal joint
• Infections or tumors (rare)
• Idiopathic / unknown origin

Symptoms & Warning Signs

You might experience:

• Sharp or aching pain at the tailbone when sitting or standing
• Discomfort during bowel movements
• Pain when leaning backward or rising from a seated position
• Tenderness to touch in the coccyx area
• Occasional radiating discomfort into the lower back or hips

If you notice swelling, redness, fever, or sudden worsening of symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

How We Treat Tailbone Pain

At Emirates Hospitals, we tailor treatment plans based on severity and diagnosis. Options include:

• Conservative Measures:
  • Soft cushions / donut pads
  • Posture correction & ergonomic seating
  • Physical therapy & stretches
  • Oral pain relief & anti-inflammatory medications
• Interventional Therapies:
  • Local injections (corticosteroids, anesthetics)
  • Nerve blocks
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Minimally invasive decompression
• Surgical Solutions (rare):
  • Coccygectomy (removal of coccyx) when all else fails
  • Tumor or infection removal

Related Treatments

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Back Pain Clinic
• Neurosurgery