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Published on: 7/14/2026
Tailbone (coccyx) pain during sit-ups is common and usually happens because the exercise presses your coccyx directly against a hard surface, irritating the surrounding bone, ligaments, or nerves. To reduce discomfort, try using a cushioned mat, adjusting your form to avoid rolling over the tailbone, or switching to lower-impact core exercises like planks or dead bugs.
That said, persistent or sharp tailbone pain can also signal an underlying issue such as a bruised coccyx, inflammation, or referred pain from the lower back or pelvis. Because causes vary widely, the fastest way to understand what's going on is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. It only takes a few minutes, uses your specific symptoms to identify likely causes, and helps you decide whether self-care, a doctor's visit, or a specialist referral is the right next step.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026
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Submit your own QuestionWhen 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 check your symptoms and talk with a healthcare provider for more help.
(References)
Fogel GR, Cunningham PY 3rd, Esses SI. Coccygodynia: evaluation and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2004 Jan-Feb;12(1):49-54. doi: 10.5435/00124635-200401000-00007. PMID: 14753797.
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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