TL;DR Quick answer
Pain at the base of the spine (coccydynia), worse when sitting. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as ganglion impar block.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About tailbone pain
Coccydynia is pain in the tailbone. It often follows a fall or childbirth and can make sitting very uncomfortable.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Pain at the tailbone; worse when sitting or rising from sitting; pain with pressure on the area |
| Common causes | Fall onto the tailbone; childbirth; prolonged sitting on hard surfaces |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | See a doctor if tailbone pain comes with fever, a swelling or discharge, or weight loss |
| Treatment options | Ganglion Impar Block |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Pain at the tailbone
- Worse when sitting or rising from sitting
- Pain with pressure on the area
Causes
- Fall onto the tailbone
- Childbirth
- Prolonged sitting on hard surfaces
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
See a doctor if tailbone pain comes with fever, a swelling or discharge, or weight loss.
| Option | Type | What it involves | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ganglion Impar Block | Procedure | An injection to relieve tailbone and perineal pain. | About 15 minutes |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
