It is a common question asked by many people. Moreover, it is the most common question asked after a surgery. 

Tailbone pain is one of the pains that may affect anyone at least once in their lifetime. The pain magnitude may vary and make your daily activities uncomfortable. Moreover, severe pain can take a toll on your physical and mental health. 

Typically, you can develop a sore tailbone by sitting in the same position for an extended period. Therefore, it is vital to take short breaks during working hours. In addition, the pain may occur because the short, tiny triangular bone present at the bottom of the spinal cord may start bruising and fracturing. 

If your work requires you to sit for long hours, you must learn about the symptoms and causes of pain in the tailbone to better understand the answer to ‘Why does my tailbone hurt when I sit?’

What is tailbone pain or coccyx?

The word “coccyx” is a Greek word meaning “cuckoo.” As your tailbone looks like a bird’s beak, experts have named it accordingly. Tailbone pain is called coccydynia, and it may vary in intensity. You may experience light to moderate pain in your tailbone. You may consult with a physician to understand the causes. 

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Symptoms of coccydynia

Why does my tailbone hurt when I sit? What are the symptoms of tailbone pain? Tailbone pain mimics the symptoms of other disorders. Therefore, it is challenging to diagnose this condition. For example, tailbone pain may resemble lower back pain. Therefore, consulting a medical professional is vital if you notice or experience symptoms similar to coccydynia. 

You can experience tenderness and achy pain in your tailbone. In addition, you may feel pain between your buttocks or the bottom of your spinal column. Moreover, if you lean or sit against the backside, you may worsen your condition. 

Why does my tailbone hurt when I sit down?

It may be coccydynia. Here are the symptoms.

• Piercing or achy pain at the centre of the tailbone
• Severe pain in the tailbone when changing position
• Pain or discomfort during bowel movements
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Poor sleep
• Depression
• Painful buttocks
• Anxiety
• Back pain

The pain can be managed by providing rest to your back. Moreover, you may use additional support like cushions for pain management. 

Why does my tailbone hurt when I sit?

Visit Ujala Cygnus Central Hospital to get the answers. 

Causes of tailbone pain

Trauma and injury are the leading causes of tailbone pain. As a result, you may feel extreme discomfort while sitting or changing your positions. Moreover, the condition results in inflammation. 

• What causes tailbone pain without injury?

You may feel tailbone pain without experiencing any injury or trauma to the tailbone. Instead, it may occur due to repetitive motion or ageing tissues. Sometimes, the pain may occur because of obesity as excess body weight exerts pressure on the tailbone. The condition causes the coccyx to move backwards and change its position. 

• Tailbone pain during pregnancy

Why does my tailbone hurt after sitting?

You may want to check if you are pregnant. If you are pregnant, your body may release particular hormones during the third trimester. As a result, the area between the coccyx and sacrum becomes soft. In addition, the condition causes the tailbone to shift from its position during childbirth. In addition, this condition stretches the ligaments and muscles around the tailbone. As a result, you experience pain. 

• Can my weight and sitting posture cause tailbone pain?

If there is a continuous strain on the coccyx, you may experience intense pain. It usually occurs when you are overweight or underweight. Moreover, sitting in an incorrect posture for extended hours can also cause tailbone pain. Assess your posture to understand the reasons for tailbone pain. 

• Why does my tailbone hurt when I sit down? 

If you experience tailbone pain when sitting, it indicates coccydynia. Moreover, if you sit on a narrow or hard surface, you may experience intense pain. However, you can reduce the discomfort by stretching or walking for a short distance. In addition, you may sit on the cushioned seat and look for other seating options. 

These tips may help you a bit in managing tailbone pain. Moreover, you may consult your doctor for detailed information on pain management. 

Tips to get relief from tailbone pain

Why does my tailbone hurt after sitting?

There are several reasons, but you can get relief from pain. If you have a tailbone ache, you may get relief by following these tips. 

• Cushion for tailbone pain

Do not slouch when you sit. Instead, maintain a straight and neutral position. Try to keep your neck, pelvis, and head in a straight line. You can use a V-shaped cushion or doughnut-shaped pillow for relief. 

• Massage

Stretches, massages, and exercises can relieve additional pressure causing tailbone pain. However, these cures may not show immediate effect. You may meet a massage specialist to alleviate your back and tailbone pain. These specialists apply the proper pressure to relieve pain. In addition, you may take a pelvic floor relaxation massage to improve the alignment of the coccyx. 

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• Ice treatment

You may rub ice to your tailbone for relaxation. It improves inflammation and helps you in pain management. Rub ice for 15-20 minutes four to five-time every day. 

• Physical therapy

Physical therapy can strengthen your tailbone muscles and support the coccyx. Moreover, the exercises may relax your pelvic floor muscles. In addition, you can practice breathing exercises to control pain. Moreover, physical therapies can help you urinate or defecate pain-free. 

Another way to control tailbone pain is through coccygeal manipulation. In this method, a therapist inserts a finger in the rectum to move the tailbone and improve its position. 

• Medication 

Anti-epileptic medications or certain antidepressants can help you relieve tailbone pain. First, know the reasons and then use proper medications for pain management. 

You can follow these tips for pain management. Alternatively, you may contact Ujala Cygnus Central Hospital and consult with our doctors and get an answer to ‘why does my tailbone hurt when sitting?’