Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia): Why It Hurts to Sit
Coccydynia is pain in the coccyx, the small bone at the base of the spine. It usually worsens when sitting, when rising from a chair, or when leaning back. At Intrador, we investigate the origin of the pain and offer treatment options ranging from the most conservative to minimally invasive, always according to individual assessment.
Main Causes of Tailbone Pain
Post-Traumatic Coccydynia
The most common cause. It arises after a fall onto the buttocks, a direct impact, or childbirth. The trauma can cause inflammation, bruising or, more rarely, a fracture/dislocation of the coccyx.
Postural Coccydynia
Related to long periods of sitting, especially on hard surfaces or with poor posture. Common in people who work many hours seated.
Coccyx Hypermobility or Stiffness
In some people the coccyx moves more (or less) than expected when sitting, which can generate mechanical pain. Diagnosis usually relies on specific imaging studies.
Idiopathic Coccydynia
In a portion of cases no single cause is identified. Even so, the pain is real and can be addressed with conservative measures and, when needed, minimally invasive procedures.
How We Treat Tailbone Pain
Most cases of coccydynia improve with conservative measures. We follow a least-to-most invasive logic, escalating only according to each patient response. The plan is always individual.
Conservative Measures and Rehabilitation
The first line of care. The goal is to reduce pressure on the coccyx and address factors that perpetuate the pain.
- Ring or wedge cushion to relieve pressure when sitting
- Postural guidance and breaks to stand up
- Referral for physiotherapy, including the pelvic floor when indicated
- Management of associated factors, such as constipation
Medical Acupuncture and Pain Management
Medical acupuncture and individualized medication management can help reduce pain and muscle tension in the area, supporting rehabilitation.
Injections and Ganglion Impar Block
When pain persists despite conservative measures, image-guided local injections and the ganglion impar block (image-guided) may be considered in selected cases, aiming to interrupt pain transmission from this region.
Radiofrequency (refractory cases)
Reserved for selected cases that do not respond to the previous steps. The indication depends on careful clinical assessment and confirmation of the pain source.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is coccydynia?
Coccydynia is the medical term for pain in the coccyx, the small bone at the base of the spine. It is characterized by pain that worsens when sitting, when rising from a chair, and with local pressure. Causes range from falls and trauma to prolonged postures, and in some cases no cause is identified.
Why does tailbone pain get worse when I sit?
When sitting, part of the body weight is transferred to the coccyx. If there is inflammation, trauma, or altered mobility in this region, that load can trigger or intensify the pain. Leaning the trunk backward usually makes it worse, as it increases pressure on the bone.
Does tailbone pain go away on its own?
Many cases, especially post-traumatic ones, improve within weeks with conservative measures. When the pain persists for more than a few weeks or interferes with your activities, it is worth seeking assessment to investigate the cause and define treatment. This content is informational and does not replace a medical consultation.
Which doctor treats tailbone pain?
Coccydynia can be assessed by a pain medicine specialist, who investigates the origin of the problem and coordinates treatment, integrating rehabilitation, medication management and, when indicated, image-guided minimally invasive procedures.
Does a tailbone cushion really help?
Ring- or wedge-shaped cushions help redistribute weight and reduce direct pressure on the coccyx when sitting, which can relieve pain for many patients. They work as a supportive measure, usually combined with other guidance within the treatment plan.
Talk with our team
If tailbone pain is disrupting your daily life, talk with our team to understand your assessment and treatment options.
Pina Unit
Clinical Center Karla Patrícia, Av. Eng. Domingos Ferreira, 636 - Ground floor - Store 17 - Pina, Recife - PE, ZIP 51011-050
+55 (81) 3090-6003Aflitos Unit
Av. Conselheiro Rosa e Silva, 1206, Room 706 - Espinheiro, Recife - PE, ZIP 52020-220
+55 (81) 3072-9816Insurance Coverage
Some chronic pain procedures may be covered by your health plan according to the ANS list and clinical indication. Coverage varies between operators. Consult our team to check the conditions of your plan.
Approaches typically considered
For this condition, our team may consider one or more of the approaches below, from least to most invasive. The actual choice depends on individual clinical evaluation.
- Acupuncture
- Magnetic Stimulation (SIS)
- Nerve Blocks
- Image-Guided Block or Injection
- Radiofrequency
This list is informational. The effective indication depends on individual clinical evaluation, with criteria and limits discussed with you.
Clinically Reviewed by:
Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro
Acupuntura, Medicina da Dor
CRM-PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
Published on: January 17, 2026
Reviewed on: January 29, 2026
This content is informative and does not replace individual medical evaluation.
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Physician specializing in Acupuncture and Pain treatment, and Technical Manager of Intrador's two units. Graduated in Medicine from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) in 2007, he holds a Specialist Title in Acupuncture and a Certificate in Pain, both recognized by the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB).
Note: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. The information is based on scientific evidence and the clinical practice of the Intrador team, but it does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Conduct, indications, and treatments must be defined after medical consultation.
Clinical reviewer: Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro · Pain Medicine | Acupuncture · CRM/PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
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