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Published on: 7/14/2026

Why does my tailbone hurt when sitting, and what can be done to alleviate the pain?

Tailbone pain (coccydynia) is often caused by prolonged sitting pressure, direct injury from a fall, or poor posture. Relief typically comes from using a wedge or donut cushion, correcting your sitting position, and avoiding hard surfaces. However, persistent tailbone pain can also signal underlying issues like fractures, infections, or referred pain from the spine, so pinpointing the cause matters.

Not sure if your symptoms warrant a doctor's visit? Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms. In just a few minutes, you'll receive a clearer picture of possible causes and practical guidance on your next steps—helping you decide whether self-care is enough or if it's time to see a professional.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

When you feel tailbone pain while sitting, it can be from different reasons. One common cause is too much pressure on your coccyx, which is the small bone at the bottom of your spine. Sitting for long periods, falling, or even a wrong sitting position may put extra pressure on it. Sometimes, an injury or repeated strain can make the area sore or inflamed. To help relieve the pain, try using a donut-shaped cushion or a soft pillow to take pressure off your tailbone when sitting. Adjust your sitting posture by keeping your back straight and perhaps taking regular breaks to stand or walk around a little. In some cases, gentle exercises or stretching might help, and your doctor may suggest pain relievers or other treatments if the pain continues. If the tailbone pain is very bothersome, keeps getting worse, or starts after an injury, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and when you should talk with your healthcare provider. They can check you and give more ideas on how to make your tailbone feel better.

(References)

  • Sandrasegaram N, Gupta R, Baloch M. Diagnosis and management of sacrococcygeal pain. BJA Educ. 2020 Mar;20(3):74-79. doi: 10.1016/j.bjae.2019.11.004. Epub 2020 Jan 30. PMID: 33456933; PMCID: PMC7807997.

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

  • Lin CH, Wu SY, Hu WL, Hung CH, Hung YC, Aurea Kuo CE. Laser acupuncture for refractory coccydynia after traumatic coccyx fracture: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Feb;99(6):e18860. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000018860. PMID: 32028396; PMCID: PMC7015655.

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