Tailbone pain: causes, examination and outlook

Pain in and around the tailbone is called coccydynia. NHI states that the condition is about five times more common in women, probably because the tailbone protrudes more in women and is therefore more exposed to injury [1].

Common causes are a fall onto the buttocks, repeated small blows to the tailbone or an injury during childbirth [1]. Pregnancy and a difficult birth are mentioned as predisposing factors [2][3]. A fracture is the cause in fewer than 10 percent [1]. Some get the symptoms without a known cause. The pain can also come from conditions in nearby areas, or from an unusual shape of the joint between the tailbone and the sacrum [1][2].

The main symptom is pain when sitting, and it gets worse when leaning back while seated. Brief pain when standing up is common [1]. Many sit crookedly to avoid pressure on the tailbone, and this can lead to back pain as a result of the posture [1].

Some also feel pain when walking, when bending forward, during bowel movements or intercourse, or when cycling [1][2][3].

The symptoms are often typical, and the diagnosis is based on the history and an examination [3]. The doctor can feel for tenderness at the tailbone and the joint towards the sacrum, and sometimes an examination through the rectum is also done to assess the tailbone and rule out other conditions [1][2][3]. It can also be assessed whether the joint is more mobile than usual [2][3].

Imaging is rarely necessary. X-ray or MRI can be used in special cases, for example to rule out a fracture, displacement, wear or, in rare cases, a tumour. Normal imaging findings do not rule out the condition [1][2][3].

Treatment is primarily watchful waiting and symptom relief. It helps to take pressure off the tailbone, for example with a better seat surface, a wedge or ring cushion and guidance on good sitting and working positions. You should avoid hard surfaces and prolonged sitting [1][2][3].

Physiotherapy, including pelvic floor training, is mentioned as an option [2]. NHI mentions warm baths, shockwave therapy, electrical nerve stimulation and manipulation, but writes that the documentation for these is limited [1]. The Patienthåndbogen on sundhed.dk writes that massage, physiotherapy and warm baths can be tried, but that the effect is assumed to be small [3].

For symptoms that last for several months, injection treatment by a doctor can be considered [1][3]. Surgery is relevant only for daily, disabling pain that has not improved with other measures [1][2].

NHI states that more than 90 percent improve on their own, and that most recover within weeks to a few months [1]. The Lægehåndbogen writes that the course is often long, but that the prognosis is good in most cases, and that about 90 percent improve with non-surgical treatment [2]. Some develop chronic tailbone pain, which means pain lasting at least three months [1].

You should contact a doctor for persistent pain, if the pain bothers you a lot, or if you get sensory disturbances [3]. Referral is relevant for unbearable symptoms that have not improved after a longer period of non-surgical treatment [2].

An osteopath can map where the pain is and what triggers it, and look at the tailbone in connection with the pelvis, lower back and buttocks. You can read more about osteopathy and about the pelvic floor muscles. Problems in the pelvis during and after pregnancy are described on the page about pelvic girdle pain.

What is coccydynia?

Coccydynia is the medical name for pain in and around the tailbone. The pain is most often felt when sitting and when standing up [1][2].

Why does my tailbone hurt when I sit?

When you sit, especially leaning back, the tailbone is loaded. The pain therefore often gets worse when sitting [1]. The cause may be a previous injury, childbirth or other factors, and some have no known cause [1][2].

How long does tailbone pain last?

NHI states that most recover within weeks to a few months. Some develop chronic symptoms with pain lasting at least three months [1].

What can I do myself about tailbone pain?

The sources mention a better seat surface, a wedge or ring cushion, guidance on good sitting and working positions, and avoiding hard surfaces and prolonged sitting [1][2][3].

The page about pelvic girdle pain describes problems in the pelvis that can arise during and after pregnancy. You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Halebeinssmerter (Tailbone pain). NHI.no. Last updated 13 March 2026. Link

2. Kold S, Larsen EP. Halebenssmerter. Lægehåndbogen, sundhed.dk. Professionally updated 24 March 2025, edited 26 March 2026. Link

3. Kold S, Larsen EP. Halebenssmerter. Patienthåndbogen, sundhed.dk. Professionally updated 31 March 2025, edited 26 March 2026. Link