Tailbone Pain

OUCH!! It hurts when I sit down!

If you have had or have tailbone pain … you will know about it …

The technical name for it is coccydynia. It is more common in women, which is attributed to the difference in the female pelvis leaving the tailbone more exposed. Often those complaining with tailbone pain describe dull/achy pain or sometimes more intense/sharp pain particularly with movement (e.g. rising from sitting) or after sitting for a long time. Often there can be discomfort during bowel movements. The symptoms may come on gradually or suddenly depending on the cause. When it starts gradually, people often start compensating by sitting on one bum cheek to take the pressure off of the tailbone area and lessen pain. 

What causes tailbone pain?

There are a number of different causes so it is important to have a proper examination to determine why the pain is there and where it is coming from. Some common causes are:

Long flights or car journeys with prolonged sitting can start off an episode of tailbone pain

Other causes of tailbone pain include infections and tumours, but thankfully they are very rare. Thus certain conditions are not suitable for care at NBH. In that case I would refer you to your GP.

Top Tips

To minimise pain, when sitting, try to sit tall and avoid slumping backwards which puts more pressure on your tailbone.

Avoid sitting for long periods (no more than 45 minutes at a time).

Stretch whenever possible.  

Avoid leaning back against a wall when sitting. This will put added pressure on the tailbone, causing pain to worsen.

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Use a cushion to support your time sitting.

Maintain good hip flexibility and squat regularly for gentle opening of the pelvic outlet to lengthen the muscles.

Seek Help

If your issue does not resolve itself within a day or two or if you have suffered with repeated episodes of tailbone pain, I would recommend you seek help. If care at NBH is suitable for your particular case of coccydynia, a plan of care would be prescribed for you and detailed education/advice on how to optimise your spinal and pelvic health to prevent recurrence.

I have been with Treasa for over 5 years now and she is amazing to solve my back and body problems.
I have tried other chiropractors when Treasa took a long break but eventually I had to go back to her when she started her own practice.
She pays attention in the details of her patients from diet to energy level. Well recommended.
Sze Sze – September 2019

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This can be a very painful and uncomfortable issue and due to its more personal location, not everyone is happy discussing it. However, it is a concern I have supported many times and see fantastic recovery for many individuals. Remember, you only have one body and addressing a problem sooner rather than later is best. If it has been dragging on for months, it is time to get support!

In the mean time check out this simple tip of how to alter your work chair to take pressure off of your tailbone and low back.

Natural Back Health is a private professional service providing gentle, low force and safe therapy to bring about healing and relief. I will support your recovery out of pain and back to doing the things you love. I have a whole health and body philosophy to my treatments. My plan of care generally includes tailored advice on stress management, nutrition, exercise, sleep and in-house gentle manual therapy.

If you have any further questions regarding this topic please do not hesitate to contact the clinic on 087 1815007 or here.

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This post is a short introduction to tailbone pain and some of the more common causes. Hopefully you find the general information on this page informative and helpful, however it is not intended to replace medical advice and should not be used as such.

Appointment times are flexible with late evening availability at the Cork street clinic. The last consultation time for new clients is 19.30. The last regular care appointment is 20.00.

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