Tailbone Pain Treatment

The pain from a tailbone injury can feel like a persistent, dull ache or sharp pain triggered by sitting or standing after sitting for a long time. In many cases, tailbone pain (called coccydynia) improves on its own within a few weeks or months without medical treatment.

When the pain lingers or interferes with daily life, tailbone pain treatment can alleviate discomfort and restore mobility. From simple self-care strategies to specialized medical care, effective coccydynia treatments can help you sit, stand, and move more comfortably again.

What Causes 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. In some cases, tailbone pain develops from degenerative joint changes or after childbirth. Less often, underlying conditions such as spinal fractures or spinal deformities may contribute.

Symptoms of Tailbone Pain

Tailbone pain can feel like a constant, dull ache or sharp, stabbing pain that worsens when you sit, rise from a seated position, or lean back against a hard surface. Some people notice swelling or tenderness around the coccyx, making prolonged sitting uncomfortable, especially on firm surfaces.

Other possible symptoms include:

Tailbone pain often intensifies during bowel movements or sexual activity
Discomfort when standing for long periods
Pain radiating into the hips, buttocks, or thighs

Tailbone pain symptoms can interfere with sleeping, exercise, and work.

When to See a Doctor for Tailbone Pain

Most cases of tailbone pain improve on their own with time and simple self-care. But you should see a doctor if:

Pain does not improve after several weeks of home treatment.
The pain grows worse instead of easing.
You experience severe tailbone pain after a fall, indicating a possible fracture.
You develop new or worsening numbness, weakness, or trouble controlling bowel or bladder function.

Prompt evaluation is critical to identifying the cause of your specific condition and ensuring you receive the right tailbone pain treatment for lasting relief.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Tailbone Pain

For effective home treatment to alleviate tailbone pain, start with:

Use a doughnut-shaped pillow when sitting
Apply alternating ice and heat to the affected area
Use Tylenol or NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen

If discomfort persists, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend the following back treatments:

Physical therapy to relax your pelvic floor
Gently stretching the ligaments attached to the coccyx
Gentle manipulation by massaging the muscles attached to the tailbone
Injections of a local anesthetic such as lidocaine
Steroid injection to reduce inflammation

Surgery is the last resort for tailbone pain treatment, and is typically only reserved for severe cases.

Surgical Options for Tailbone Pain

If your tailbone pain doesn’t subside, you should consult with a spine 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. Then, when all non-surgical tailbone pain treatments have been ruled out, a coccygectomy — removal of part or all of the tailbone — may be recommended. This procedure is designed to relieve chronic tailbone pain caused by a damaged or unstable coccyx.

Find a Spine Doctor

Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute for Tailbone Pain Treatment

When your tailbone hurts, it makes every daily activity more challenging. The board-certified, fellowship-trained spine specialists at Hoag Orthopedic Institute can help. We combine advanced diagnostics, evidence-based treatments, and patient-focused care to relieve chronic tailbone pain and restore your mobility.

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.
You can connect 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.