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Published on: 4/7/2025

What are the common causes of tailbone pain when sitting, and how can it be relieved?

Tailbone pain when sitting is often caused by an injury to or irritation of the coccyx, e.g. from a fall, long periods of sitting on hard surfaces, or childbirth. It can be relieved by using supportive cushions, applying warm or cold packs, and changing sitting habits.

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Explanation

Tailbone pain, or coccydynia, can start when the bony tip of your spine is hurt or becomes sore. This pain might happen if you fall and hit your tailbone, or if you sit for too long on a hard chair or bench that puts a lot of pressure on that area. Women may also experience tailbone pain after giving birth because of the strain placed on the coccyx. Other things like poor posture or arthritis can make the pain worse. To relieve tailbone pain, try sitting on a special cushion, such as a donut cushion, that eases pressure on the coccyx. You can also apply warm packs to help relax the muscles, or cold packs to reduce any swelling. Changing your sitting posture, taking breaks from sitting, and doing gentle stretches can also help. Over-the-counter pain relievers might ease discomfort, too. If the pain continues or gets worse, it is a good idea to see a healthcare professional for more advice and treatment options.

(References)

  • Lirette LS, Chaiban G, Tolba R, Eissa H. Coccydynia: an overview of the anatomy, etiology, and treatment of coccyx pain. Ochsner J. 2014 Spring;14(1):84-7. PMID: 24688338; PMCID: PMC3963058.

  • Mabrouk A, Alloush A, Foye P. Coccyx Pain. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

  • 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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