Overview
A bruised, cracked, or dislocated tailbone can all cause it.
Being overweight or underweight raises risk.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Pain at the tailbone, worse sitting
- Tailbone pain, worse when sitting
Less common
- Pain with bowel movements
Look up a symptom: Tailbone pain, worse when sitting
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayFever with a red, swollen lump near the tailbone.
See a doctor soonPain lasting more than a few weeks.
Causes
Falls, childbirth, long sitting.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Women
- After childbirth
Possible complications
Diagnosis
A clinician examines.
Questions you may be asked
- Falls, childbirth
The exam
Pressing the tailbone.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- X-ray: Sitting and standing.
Treatment
Take pressure off.
Self-care
- Use a wedge or donut cushion
- Lean forward when sitting
- Ice, then heat
- Avoid constipation
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pain relievers | Pain and swelling | Ask first if you have kidney, stomach, or heart problems. |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Physical therapy or a steroid shot for lasting pain.
Prevention
To prevent it:
- Cushion hard seats
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).
Back to school, work, or sports
- Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Most improve.
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Tailbone pain (coccydynia)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.