Coccydynia (tailbone pain)

The tailbone (coccyx) is the last part of the spine, at the bottom between the buttocks. Pelvic floor muscles and ligaments attach to it. After a fall on the buttocks, childbirth or prolonged sitting on a hard surface, this area can become painful and oversensitive.

Sometimes the tailbone is too mobile, or on the contrary too stiff. Obesity and rapid weight loss also increase the risk.

• Sharp or nagging pain at the bottom of the buttock crease, exactly on the tailbone
• Increase when sitting on a hard chair and when leaning backwards
• Pronounced pain when getting up from a seated position
• Sometimes discomfort during bowel movements or sexual activity
• Little or no pain when walking, which distinguishes it from hip complaints

Diagnosis is made with clinical examination and, for persistent complaints, imaging in sitting and standing position.

• A cushion with a cut-out and adapted sitting habits
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy and manual therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• An image guided injection at the tailbone
• Very rarely surgical removal of the tailbone

Most patients improve within a few months. Make an appointment if the pain persists.