Tailbone Pain

The tailbone (coccyx) is made up of 3-5 small bones that can be injured by trauma during a fall or prolonged sitting on a hard surface. Tailbone pain typically goes away on its own without medical intervention within a few weeks or months. Less commonly, patients may have degenerative joint

Tailbone Pain at a Glance

Tailbone pain is discomfort in or around the tailbone (coccyx) that can result from injury, prolonged pressure or irritation of the surrounding tissues, making sitting and other everyday activities uncomfortable.

Common symptoms include: Pain when sitting, tenderness over the tailbone, pain when standing from a seated position and discomfort during bowel movements.
Common causes include: Falls or direct tailbone injury, repeated and prolonged sitting, childbirth and repetitive pressure or injury.
Reduce the risk of tailbone pain by: Maintaining good posture, avoiding prolonged sitting, using a supportive or cushioned seat and taking breaks to stand and stretch.
You should see an orthopedic specialist: If tailbone pain is severe, persists despite rest, worsens over time or limits everyday activities.

Hoag Orthopedic Institute provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options for patients with tailbone pain.

What is Tailbone Pain?

The tailbone (coccyx) is made up of 3-5 small bones that can be injured by trauma during a fall or prolonged sitting on a hard surface. Less commonly, patients may have degenerative joint changes or experience postpartum tailbone pain.

To reduce tailbone pain, our orthopedic surgeons recommend that you:

Sit on a doughnut-shaped pillow
Apply alternating ice/heat to the affected area
Use NSAID pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.

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When Should I See a Doctor for Tailbone Pain?

If your tailbone pain doesn’t subside, you should consult with a hip surgeon. Your orthopedist may do an exam to rule out other conditions, including checking for a fracture, degenerative conditions, or even a tumor in the tailbone area.

Possible treatments for tailbone pain may include:

Physical therapy to relax your pelvic floor and gently stretching the ligaments attached to the coccyx can be helpful
Gentle manipulation by massaging the muscles attached to the tailbone
Injections of local anesthetic, or numbing agent such as lidocaine, and a steroid injection can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for weeks at a time.
Surgery is the last result, and typically only reserved for severe cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit to Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a chance for you and your spine specialist to get a complete picture of your current back health and goals for recovery. You’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained back doctor who will listen to your concerns, review any prior imaging or test results, and ask detailed questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. A detailed physical exam may follow to assess your range of motion, strength, and nerve function.
Your back specialist may recommend advanced imaging or additional diagnostic tests available onsite. Together, you’ll discuss what’s causing your pain or mobility limitations and review both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear and personalized plan designed for your specific needs—and a team ready to support you through each step of your care.
Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers a complimentary consultation, where you can meet with one of our qualified spine specialists to review your symptoms, discuss any existing test results, and explore your back treatment options. To schedule your appointment, simply call our scheduling team at (949) 890-0464 or complete the secure request form on our website.
We’ll connect you with the right back doctor for your needs and can help arrange imaging or records before your visit. From the start, you’ll have access to advanced diagnostics and the latest treatments—including the latest techniques for minimally invasive procedures—tailored to your condition and goals.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our highly qualified physical therapists, back doctors, and spine surgeons work together to treat a broad range of spine conditions. These include addressing herniated discs, relieving spinal stenosis, and managing degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Conservative treatments often include targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections to relieve nerve pain, or medications to reduce inflammation.
When surgery is your most effective option, our spine specialists perform procedures including spinal decompression to free compressed nerves, spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, and disc replacement to maintain mobility. Many operations are performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, which combine advanced imaging with precise instrument control to protect surrounding tissues and support a smoother recovery. Our back specialists devise a custom spine plan for each patient, designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help them return to active, pain-free living.
Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers expert care from fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, back doctors, and spine specialists who are leaders in their field. Our team also utilizes advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted spine surgery—providing greater surgical planning, accuracy, steadier instrument control, and less disruption to healthy structures for a smoother recovery.
Exceptional technology and an excellent surgical outcome form just part of your experience with our specialized back care. Your orthopedic spine doctor will focus on your total well-being, creating a personalized treatment plan—surgical or non-surgical—to help you move without pain and regain function. From diagnosis through recovery, we’re committed to getting you back to the lifestyle you love, free from the limitations of back pain or dysfunction.