How to Relieve Coccyx Pain

Coccyx pain can result from structural abnormalities or a fall, but in about a third of cases, the cause remains unclear. This type of pain usually occurs when sitting for long periods. In some instances, people may experience chronic discomfort when transitioning from a sitting to standing position. Additionally, coccyx pain can also arise during sexual activity or while having a bowel movement.

See a doctor. A doctor will know what to look for in order to assess coccyx pain. They may conduct an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. The two most effective diagnostic tests for coccyx pain include injecting a local anesthetic into the coccyx to determine if it provides temporary relief, and comparing X-rays taken while standing and sitting to check for any misalignment of the coccyx when seated.

• The doctor may also check for pilonidal cysts—cysts that only appear in the coccyx area, caused by infected hair follicles. Successful treatment of pilonidal cysts may help reduce or completely eliminate the pain.

Learn about the symptoms of coccyx injury. You may need to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis, but recognizing the symptoms will also help you determine whether the coccyx is the cause of the pain. Identifying symptoms also provides useful information for the doctor during the diagnosis process. Symptoms of coccyx injury include: symptoms:

• Pain in the coccyx area without lower back pain.
• Pain when standing up after sitting.
• Frequent urination or pain while urinating.
• Relief from pain when sitting on your legs or sitting on one side of your buttocks.

Consider potential underlying causes of coccyx pain. If the coccyx injury is due to any specific reason, you should discuss with your doctor to help determine the best treatment approach for your situation.

• According to some estimates, coccyx pain is more common in females, occurring five times more often than in males. This may be due to coccyx injuries during childbirth.

Ask your doctor about prescription medications. Some prescribed medications can help alleviate coccyx pain. For example, anticonvulsants and antidepressants may be effective in reducing coccyx pain. Ask your doctor about the possibility of using one of these medications.

• Remember that doctors typically do not prescribe narcotic medications unless the coccyx is fractured. In cases of a fractured coccyx, a doctor may prescribe painkillers to help ease the pain. You may also need an X-ray to confirm the coccyx fracture (if present).

Consider surgery if other methods are ineffective. Most patients who undergo surgery for coccyx pain have previously tried non-surgical methods without success. Therefore, it is recommended to exhaust non-surgical options before opting for surgery, which can be painful and sometimes debilitating.

• If the pain is severe, occurs daily for more than 6 months, and/or affects your quality of life, you should ask your doctor for a referral to an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in coccyx removal surgery.

Applying ice to the tailbone can alleviate pain and inflammation. Within the first 48 hours after an injury, apply ice once an hour. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on your tailbone for about 20 minutes each time. After 48 hours, reduce the frequency to three times a day, each for 20 minutes, to ease discomfort.

Take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce swelling and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen are available at most pharmacies.

• For Ibuprofen, take 600 mg every 8 hours, or 500 mg of Acetaminophen every 4 hours. Do not exceed 3500 mg of Acetaminophen within 24 hours.

Proper posture is essential to avoid aggravating tailbone pain. Sit up straight, engage your core, and keep your neck and back aligned. If you experience severe pain when standing up, lean forward and arch your back before rising.

Sitting on a specialized cushion can help reduce tailbone pain. These cushions are designed with a cut-out section to relieve pressure on the tailbone. You can also create a DIY cushion by cutting a hole in a piece of foam rubber, making it resemble a toilet seat cushion.

• Most patients find that donut-shaped cushions do not help, as they are intended to reduce pressure on the genital area rather than the tailbone. Consult your doctor about using a wedge-shaped cushion.

Applying heat may also help alleviate tailbone pain. You can use a heating pad up to four times a day for 20 minutes each session.

• If you don't have a heating pad, try a warm compress or take a hot bath to ease the discomfort.

If you have a fractured tailbone, the only solution is rest and avoiding physical activities for 8-12 weeks. If your job is physically demanding, consider taking a break to allow your body to heal properly.

Avoid straining during bowel movements. Some individuals may experience pain due to tailbone discomfort when they pass stool. It's important to prevent constipation by increasing fiber and fluid intake in your diet. If necessary, you can take a mild stool softener to ease the process as your tailbone heals.

• Tailbone pain might indicate an issue with the sacroiliac joint. It’s possible that the hips and tailbone are misaligned, with the pain occurring in or around the tailbone area.

• Tailbone pain can be persistent and uncomfortable for patients, often lasting for months. Doctors report that many patients experience varying degrees of pain long after a tailbone injury.
• If the pain becomes unbearable or if it occurs without a clear cause or injury, it is important to see a doctor or contact healthcare professionals as soon as possible.