Pain in your “tail” — the bone at the base of the spine — especially on hard chairs or when standing up? Coccydynia (tailbone pain) is more common than people think, often dismissed with “sit on a cushion” — although it has real solutions.
What is coccydynia?
The coccyx is the small terminal segment of the spine. Pain appears when the sacrococcygeal joint or the surrounding muscles and ligaments are irritated — after a fall, childbirth, prolonged sitting or, sometimes, with no clear cause. It often associates with pelvic floor tension.
Common symptoms
Localised pain at the base of the spine, worse when sitting (especially on hard surfaces), when moving from sitting to standing and when leaning back, discomfort with bowel movements and, sometimes, pain with contact.
Common causes
Falls onto the buttocks, childbirth, prolonged sitting on unsuitable chairs, pelvic muscle tension, sometimes repetitive microtrauma (cycling) and, rarely, other causes screened out at assessment.
Can it be treated without surgery?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases: manual therapy (including sacrococcygeal joint and pelvic floor techniques), sitting-posture correction, relaxation and mobility exercises, plus simple adjustments (a U-shaped/”donut” cushion). Injections or surgery are reserves for refractory cases.
How we treat coccydynia at Medicine Park
With professionalism and discretion: we assess the area, posture and pelvic floor tension, then build a personalised plan of manual therapy, exercise and sitting hygiene, with monitored progress. All in English.
How long does recovery take?
Recent cases: 3–6 weeks. Chronic ones: 6–10 weeks of consistent work.
When to seek help
If tailbone pain persists beyond a few weeks or ruins your sitting, book an assessment. Your first assessment at Medicine Park is free.
