Tailbone (Coccyx) Pain

The tailbone, known as the coccyx, is located at the bottom of your spine and is a common insertion point for the pelvic floor muscles. It has a physiological movement in both the flexion and extension plane.

Pain in This Area Can Occur After:

• Trauma during a fall.
• Indirect trauma after surgery.
• Vaginal childbirth.
• Various activities such as cycling, horseback riding, rowing.
• Chronic straining.
• Prolonged sitting on a hard or narrow surface.
• Degenerative changes.

Typical Signs and Symptoms Include:

• Pain with sitting.
• Pain with palpation (touch).
• Pain with transitional movements (sitting to standing).
• Pain with sexual penetration.
• Pain with a bowel movement.

When physiotherapists use a biopsychosocial approach, there is an acknowledgment that there can be a blend of tissue dysfunction and psychosocial factors that contribute to symptoms. This thorough assessment will help target the right ‘driver’ of a patient’s symptoms.

Pelvic health physiotherapy can be an integral part of a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of symptoms associated with tail bone/coccyx pain.

Treatments May Include:

• Pelvic Floor Muscle Strengthening (Kegels) for Females (Or If You Have a Vulva/Vagina).
• Pelvic Floor Muscle Strengthening (Kegels) for Males (or if you have a Penis)
• Addressing constipation.
• Deep breathing and relaxation.
• Treatment of the nervous system.
• Body mapping.
• Therapeutic exercise.
• External myofascial techniques, including connective tissue dysfunction.
• Internal myofascial techniques (gentle, pain-free internal work to help decrease pelvic floor over-activity/tension).
• Mobilizations of the coccyx to improve its physiological movement.
• Suggestions on seating and/or cushions.
• Pain education.