You're Offline
The page will automatically refresh once you get online
Tailbone pain is pain in the bone at the base of the spine (coccyx), near the top of your bottom. There are things you can do to ease the pain, but get medical help if it does not get better after a few weeks.
The main symptom of tailbone (coccyx) pain is pain and tenderness at the base of your spine, near the top of your bottom.
It may feel dull and achy most of the time, with occasional sharp pains.
The pain may be worse:
You may also find it difficult to sleep and carry out daily activities.
Tailbone (coccyx) pain may improve after a few weeks, but it can sometimes last longer. There are some things you can do to help ease the pain.
sit correctly – maintain good posture with your lower back supported
use a specially designed coccyx cushion when sitting – sitting on an exercise ball can also help
lie on your side to reduce the pressure on your coccyx
try pelvic floor exercises (particularly important during pregnancy)
use an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes – you can also use a heat pack for longer
use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to help reduce the pain
use a laxative to soften your poo if the pain is worse when pooing – ask a pharmacist for a laxative that softens poo
do not sit for a long time
do not wear clothes that are tight around your bottom and lower back, like some types of jeans
Further treatments are available if simple things like pelvic floor exercises and ibuprofen have not helped your tailbone (coccyx) pain.
The 2 treatments that may be recommended first are:
If physiotherapy and injections do not help reduce the pain, surgery to remove part or all of your coccyx may be recommended.
If you have tailbone (coccyx) pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
Common causes of tailbone (coccyx) pain include:
Sometimes the cause of tailbone pain is unknown.
