Published on: 3/17/2025
Your tailbone might hurt during sit-ups because the exercise puts extra pressure on it, and changing your technique or using cushion support can help reduce discomfort.
When doing sit-ups, your lower back and tailbone can sometimes take a lot of pressure. This extra pressure may hurt your tailbone, especially if you land or push the area against the floor too hard. One reason for the pain is that your coccyx, or tailbone, is a small bone that can be easily irritated if you do too many sit-ups or use poor form. To help prevent the pain, you can try a few things. First, adjust your technique by keeping your lower back in a more neutral position during your exercise. Second, use a folded towel or cushion under your tailbone to lessen the impact. Third, consider mixing in other core exercises like planks, which might be gentler on your tailbone. These changes can help you work on your core strength without causing extra pain. Remember, if the pain continues or gets worse, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider for more help.
(References)
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Augeard N, Carroll SP. Core stability and low-back pain: a causal fallacy. J Exerc Rehabil. 2019 Jun 30;15(3):493-495. doi: 10.12965/jer.1938198.099. PMID: 31316947; PMCID: PMC6614774.
Garg B, Ahuja K. Coccydynia-A comprehensive review on etiology, radiological features and management options. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 Jan;12(1):123-129. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2020.09.025. Epub 2020 Sep 24. Erratum in: J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 Oct;21:101561. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.101561. PMID: 33716437; PMCID: PMC7920198.
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