Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain) Treatment at Arizona’s Leading Pain Clinic in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa

If you have sharp or aching pain near your tailbone when sitting, you may be experiencing coccydynia. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our pain doctors provide expert care for tailbone pain. We offer non-surgical and interventional treatments at our pain clinics in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa to help you heal and return to your normal routine.

What Is Coccydynia?

Coccydynia is the medical term for pain in the coccyx, or tailbone. This area is made up of three to five small bones at the bottom of the spine. When these bones become irritated or injured, sitting and other activities that place pressure on the lower back can become very uncomfortable.

Although coccydynia can be either short-term or chronic, it rarely lasts a lifetime. Most cases improve with simple care, especially when diagnosed early by a pain specialist. In fact, 90% of tailbone pain cases do not require surgery.

Symptoms of Coccydynia

Coccydynia symptoms are usually focused in one area but can interfere with daily life. Common signs include:

• Pain when sitting down or leaning back

• A sore or tight feeling around the tailbone

• Discomfort during bowel movements or sex

• Pain that increases when moving from sitting to standing

• ta-start=”1768″ data-end=”1817″>Tenderness or swelling at the base of the spine

If you notice these symptoms, especially after a fall or period of extended sitting, it’s important to visit a pain doctor for evaluation.

Treatment Options for Coccydynia

The pain specialists at our Arizona pain clinics use a range of treatments to relieve coccydynia. Many patients benefit from a mix of lifestyle changes and non-invasive therapies. Options may include:

• Rest and activity modification to reduce pressure on the coccyx

• Use of soft seat cushions or specially designed tailbone pillows

• Ice or heat therapy for inflammation and pain relief

• Over-the-counter pain relievers or muscle relaxants

• Gentle stretches, yoga, or physical therapy to restore movement

• Chiropractic adjustments if alignment is affected

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce local inflammation

• Coccygeal nerve blocks for long-lasting relief

• Surgery (only considered if other treatments are unsuccessful)

Additionally, your pain doctor may recommend weight management, as being either underweight or heavy-weighted can place more pressure on the coccyx. In such cases, a gradual, supervised approach is best.

Diagnosing Coccydynia

To diagnose tailbone pain, our pain specialists begin with a complete history and physical exam. During your visit, your doctor will ask about:

• When the pain began and how often it occurs

• Lifestyle habits, such as sitting for long periods

• Recent injuries or falls

• Your medical background and current medications

• Family history of spine or joint problems

Next, your pain doctor may perform a hands-on exam to check for swelling, tenderness, or movement problems in the coccyx. In some cases, a rectal exam may be needed to test joint movement.

If further imaging is necessary, tests may include:

• Dynamic X-ray – Shows movement in the tailbone while sitting or standing

• CT scan or MRI – Detects fractures, inflammation, or tumors

• Coccygeal discogram – Checks for disc damage in the area

These tools help rule out other causes of lower back pain and guide the best course of treatment.

Causes of Coccydynia

Most cases of coccydynia are due to either direct trauma or sitting for long stretches. However, other causes include:

• Falls or impacts to the lower back

• Childbirth, especially difficult deliveries

• Menstrual cramps for those with a uterus

• Repetitive movements (e.g., cycling or rowing)

• Hyper- or limited mobility of the coccyx

• Infections or tumors (rare)

• Referred pain from another area, like the pelvis or spine

It’s also worth noting that coccydynia is more common in people with a uterus. Biological differences, including hormonal shifts and pelvic structure, can increase risk.

Fast Facts About Coccydynia

• Tailbone pain is often misdiagnosed as a general lower back issue

• Most people recover without surgery

• Pain can worsen without proper treatment, especially if mobility is reduced

• Sitting on hard surfaces or poor posture often makes symptoms worse

• A tailored plan from a pain specialist often leads to faster recovery

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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