Tailbone Pain Exercise
1. Single-leg knee hug – This stretches the piriformis and the iliopsoas muscles, both of which can become tight and limit mobility in the pelvis. The piriformis originates from the tailbone and can irritate the sciatic nerve if it becomes inflamed. Gently increasing the stretch over time will allow the range of movement to expand.
- Lie down on the back.
- Bend one knee toward the chest.
- Extend the feet straight out, if tolerable.
- Hold onto the bent knee and pull it gently down into the chest.
- Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
Contents
What is the fastest way to relieve tailbone pain?
Sit on a pressure-reduction cushion. Some people find a wedge-shaped one most helpful for reducing pain. Apply heat or ice to the affected area. Take pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).
Can exercise help tailbone pain?
Stretching/Exercise – – Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the tailbone and help to minimize pain. – Postural exercises can also help to improve posture, allowing for proper alignment of the spine and decreased stress on the tailbone. Source:
Do squats help with tailbone pain?
Beating Coccydynia at Home – Fortunately, there are a number of effective ways that you can treat coccydynia at home. Consider trying the following pain relief strategies:
Over-The-Counter Medications: NSAIDs, like Ibuprofen or Aleve, can be particularly handy for relieving coccygeal pain and unlike opioid drugs, they aren’t addictive. If you can’t find sufficient relief from NSAIDs, then consider speaking to your doctor about prescription pain relief options like Celebrex. You may also benefit from the use of steroid injections into the coccygeal joint to relieve tenderness. Hot & Cold Therapy: For the first few days following your injury, apply ice packs to the base of the spine. The cold will prevent the inflammation from setting in. Around day 3, apply alternating rounds of hot and cold therapy to your coccyx. The use of heating pads will draw blood–rich with white blood cells and healing properties–to the injured area. Ergonomic Equipment: If you can, invest in an adjustable desk or computer stand that you can raise and lower throughout your workday. Take frequent breaks where you stand, or if possible, stretch. Use a U-, V-, or donut- shaped pillow to sit on instead of a flat surface. These open pillows support your buttocks, while leaving an opening for your coccyx. This will shift your weight off of your coccyx and onto your buttocks muscles instead. Stretches: Relax your pelvic floor and gluteal muscles by engaging in activities that encourage stretching, like yoga or pilates. In particular, Happy Baby, Child’s Pose, Triangle Pose, and Squats are good at relieving tailbone pain. Dietary Changes: Eat healthy, well-balanced, and well-portioned meals to maintain an optimal BMI. In addition, if your coccydynia is caused by Levator Ani Syndrome (or pelvic floor dysfunction), make sure to get plenty of fiber and drink water to avoid constipation.
Does walking relieve tailbone pain?
The coccyx, a small triangular bone at the bottom of the spinal column, can get bruised and even fractured. Sitting increases pain while walking relieves it.
How long does tailbone take to heal?
Tailbone injuries can take several months to heal, but home treatment can ease the pain. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems.
Should I ignore tailbone pain?
You should call your doctor immediately if you have pain in the tailbone and any of the following other symptoms: A sudden increase in swelling or pain. Constipation that lasts a long time. Sudden numbness, weakness, or tingling in either or both legs.
Can I massage tailbone pain?
#2 – Self Massage – One of the consequences of Tailbone pain is that the muscles in the area can tighten up. These muscles include your glutes, piriformis, and hip rotators. You can massage these muscles by applying pressure with a massage ball, or a foam roller – to reduce the tension.
Is lying down good for tailbone pain?
3. Give sleeping on your back a chance – Sleeping on your back is the preferred position when it comes to reducing stress on your coccyx. Even better – try placing a wedge pillow under your knees as you lie on your back. This can help to further relieve stress on your tailbone and allow your coccyx to relax into the bed.
What makes tailbone pain worse?
Causes of tailbone (coccyx) pain – Common causes of tailbone (coccyx) pain include:
pregnancy and childbirthan injury or accident, such as a fall onto your coccyxrepeated or prolonged strain on the coccyx – for example, after sitting for a long time while driving or cyclingpoor posturebeing overweight or underweight joint hypermobility (increased flexibility) of the joint that attaches the coccyx to the bottom of the spine
Sometimes the cause of tailbone pain is unknown. Page last reviewed: 15 March 2022 Next review due: 15 March 2025
What exercises should you avoid with tailbone pain?
6. Child’s Pose – Child’s Pose is another yoga pose. This stretch lengthens the spine, therefore easing lower back pain and targeting hip muscles in addition to muscles in the pelvic floor. A person usually does this stretch on their knees. To avoid discomfort, a person can use a mat or towel to kneel on.
- Begin in a kneeling position with the knees spread, sitting back on the heels.
- Place both hands flat on the floor and slowly slide the arms and body forward, keeping the head facing down.
- Continue slowly shifting forward to fully extend the arms. If possible, bring the forehead to the floor.
- Note: Crawl arms to each side and hold for a lateral stretch.
- Rest in this position for 20–30 seconds.
The exercises outlined above intend to address some of the causes of tailbone pain. As with all stretches and exercises, it is crucial to remain within a range of motion that does not cause pain or injury. Tailbone pain has several causes, and in some cases, the cause is unknown.
- Falling: A person may fall and land on a hard surface in a seated position.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: During pregnancy, ligaments in the pelvis loosen and shift, which can cause tailbone pain. A person may experience injuries to the tailbone or surrounding ligaments and muscles during childbirth, especially during deliveries requiring the use of instruments.
- Spinal and rectal surgeries: A person may have tailbone pain following a spinal or rectal surgery.
- Sitting: A person may experience tailbone pain after sitting for long periods of time.
- Repetitive movements: Activities such as cycling, riding, and rowing can put stress on the tailbone, as well as the surrounding muscles and ligaments, and can cause injury.
Other causes of tailbone pain include :
- Arthritis : A disorder associated with joint inflammation.
- Chordoma : A rare bone cancer that occurs in the tailbone.
- Osteomyelitis : This occurs when the bone or bone marrow becomes infected. It may occur in any bone in the body.
If a person is experiencing tailbone pain and stretching does not relieve the pain, there are other treatment options they may wish to consider. Prolonged sitting can exacerbate tailbone pain. A person can take regular breaks from sitting or try sitting on a U-shaped or wedge-shaped cushion instead.
These cushions allow a person to sit comfortably by taking pressure off the tailbone. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help a person manage the pain symptoms. Such medications may include aspirin and ibuprofen, If a person is experiencing severe pain or is struggling to find relief from at-home management, they may wish to contact a doctor about their tailbone pain.
A doctor can perform a physical exam of the area and request further tests, if necessary, to identify and treat the cause and rule out any other conditions. A person should contact a doctor immediately if they experience :
- a sudden increase in pain and swelling
- loss of control of their bowels or bladder
- ongoing constipation
- weakness, numbness, or tingling in their legs
Tailbone pain can occur for many reasons, and an older study found that conservative management at home is often enough to allow recovery. Gentle stretching can loosen muscles surrounding the tailbone that may be causing discomfort. If a person cannot manage their tailbone pain on their own, they may wish to contact a doctor for tests and further treatment.
How should I sit to prevent tailbone pain?
Pain in the Bottom – While the pain associated with a tailbone injury usually diminishes within a few weeks or months, it can be downright frustrating. Pain can range from dull and achy to sharp and severe based on the activity being performed. Here are ten tips to help relieve tailbone pain:
When sitting, avoid slouching by keeping your head, neck, and pelvis in a straight and neutral line. Consider using a donut-shaped pillow or V-shaped wedge cushion to reduce pressure on the coccyx. When moving to a sitting or standing position, lean forward as this helps alleviate pressure. Apply ice and/or heat to the tailbone area and gluteal muscles for 10-15 minutes. Do this four times per day to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Take over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) medication, such as ibuprofen as needed to reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid sitting for extended periods by taking short breaks every 20 minutes or so. Massage the muscles attached to the tailbone to help ease pain. Physical therapy can be beneficial in teaching pelvic floor relaxation techniques (reverse Kegels) which help get the coccyx into better alignment and can relieve the pain experienced when urinating or defecating. Avoid activities that stress the tailbone, including cycling. Add extra fiber to your diet to soften stools. This will make bowel movements more comfortable while also reducing the risk of constipation. Depending on your level of pain, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections.
If you have had recent trauma to your coccyx and are experiencing pain, schedule an appointment with your doctor or physical therapist, Through an evaluation, they can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your injury to help you get back to doing the things you love.
How do I know if my tailbone is damaged?
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process, Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. The tailbone, or coccyx, is the last bone in the spine. This triangle shaped bone is made up of three to five different sections, which can make it difficult to detect a broken tailbone.
Tailbone breaks, or fractures, are fairly uncommon. It is more common for a person to bruise their tailbone or pull a ligament in that area. The symptoms of a broken tailbone are similar to those of a bruised tailbone, so it can be difficult to diagnose. Treatment options for broken and bruised tailbones are also similar.
When the tailbone is broken, it may:
be displaced, which occurs when the separated bone fragments are clear on an X-raybe a hairline fracture, wherein the broken pieces are not separatedbe comminuted, which occurs when the bone breaks into multiple pieces
This article discusses what can cause a broken tailbone and how to identify one, along with treatment options and recovery tips. Share on Pinterest Symptoms of a broken tailbone can include a dull pain in the very low back and swelling around the tailbone. The symptoms of a broken tailbone include:
an almost constant dull pain in the very low back, just above the buttockspain that worsens when sitting and when standing up from a sitting positionswelling around the tailbonepain that intensifies during a bowel movementpain that intensifies during sexual intercourseirregular bowel movementsnumbness or tingling in the leg
The most likely cause of a broken tailbone is trauma or direct injury. In young people, a broken tailbone is most often due to a backward fall or a high energy accident. In some groups, including older adults, nutritional deficiencies can make broken bones more common.
Though rare, childbirth can also lead to fractures of the coccyx. This bone is particularly vulnerable to injury during difficult labor, or labor that requires the use of instruments, due to its location in the body. Tailbone bruises are more common than fractures. Females are more likely than males to experience tailbone injuries.
Obesity is also a risk factor for tailbone problems. Because many factors and conditions can cause pain around the tailbone, diagnosing a broken tailbone requires a doctor taking the person’s medical history, conducting a physical exam, and ordering medical testing.
possible causes of the pain, including falls or sports injuriespossible nontraumatic causes, such as age-related wear and tearpain that could be from other sources
A physical exam and a rectal exam will give the doctor more information about the site of the pain, as well as what may be causing or contributing to it. Problems with the piriformis muscles and nearby joints, for example — such as the sacroiliac and lumbosacral facet joints — can contribute to pain in and around the tailbone.
Testing for a broken tailbone will include cancer screening and medical imaging. X-rays can help a doctor locate and assess the damage to the tailbone. If the X-ray does not provide a clear image, or if there are other concerns about what is causing the pain, an MRI scan can provide more information. Partly due to the structure of the coccyx and other conditions that might exist at the same time as the injury — such as obesity, gas, or constipation — it is not always easy to diagnose a broken tailbone.
Unlike other broken bones, it is not possible to put the tailbone in a cast and immobilize it. Instead, a doctor might recommend using techniques to reduce the pain. For example, they may suggest using:
Specially designed cushions: These can be very helpful for a person with a broken tailbone. These cushions have a hole cut out in the middle, allowing a person to sit without putting pressure directly on the coccyx. These cushions are available online. Hot and cold packs: These can help ease inflammation and pain around the injury. Some sources recommend using cold packs on and off for the first 2 days after the injury — placing a cloth between the skin and the pack so that it does not feel uncomfortable — and using warm soaks after 2 days. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen: These can also provide pain relief. If the pain is very severe, a doctor may instead prescribe opiates. A standing desk: For people who spend a lot of time at a computer or desk, using a standing desk can be helpful while recovering from a broken tailbone.
Doctors may recommend steroids or nerve blocks if the pain is very severe. Undergoing surgery for a broken tailbone is rare, and doctors usually recommend this only when all alternatives have not worked and the pain is interfering with the person’s quality of life.
Recovery from a broken tailbone can take some time. Most fractures take 6–12 weeks to heal. Many people who experience a broken tailbone are athletes, and they are usually eager to return to play. Some experts say that the limiting factors are pain and the risk of pressure on the tailbone. If there is any risk of re-injury, the person should delay returning to that activity.
Rest is very important when a bone is broken, and people need to give themselves time to heal when they have a fractured coccyx. However, it is also important to strengthen the muscles around the tailbone, stretching them regularly to keep tightness and imbalances from developing.
- A doctor may provide a list of exercises to strengthen the hips and core, as well as pelvic floor exercises and stretches to relieve pressure on the gluteal muscles, back, and hamstrings.
- They may also refer a person to a physical therapist for more extensive treatment.
- Learning how to sit with good posture is a good way to promote and protect a healthy tailbone.
A broken tailbone is a rare and painful injury that can affect people of all ages, from young athletes to older adults. Treatment generally consists of reducing pain and preventing further injury to the tailbone. Recovery can take up to 12 weeks, and people should rest during this time to encourage healing.
Does a tailbone heal on its own?
5. Adjust Your Diet – Add fiber to your diet to soften stools. That will help bowel movements feel more comfortable while reducing the risk of constipation. A broken or bruised coccyx will usually heal on its own. Physical therapy, exercises, and a special cushion can help ease the pain and speed recovery.
How long is too long for tailbone pain?
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Tailbone pain often goes away without medical treatment DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My tailbone has been hurting for the past few weeks. I have read that it takes a while to heal, but is there anything I can do in the meantime to lessen the pain? At what point would it be necessary to see my doctor? ANSWER: Although tailbone pain can be uncomfortable, in most cases it will go away on its own within a few months.
- During that time, there are steps that you can take to lessen the pain.
- If your pain lasts for more than two months or if it gets worse despite self-care, make an appointment to see your health care provider about your concern.
- Your tailbone, or coccyx, is the bony structure at the bottom of your spine that helps support your pelvic floor.
Tailbone pain is a condition called “coccydynia.” Those with coccydynia usually experience dull, achy pain in or around the tailbone. This pain may become sharper or more intense after sitting or standing for a long time, during sex, or with urination or a bowel movement.
Numerous situations can result in tailbone pain. It is often the result of an injury due to a trauma during childbirth or a fall. Tailbone pain sometimes can arise after sitting on a hard surface for a long time, or sitting on an ill-fitting or jouncing seat. In some cases, the pain may be the result of sitting posture changes brought on by obesity or aging.
Rarely, the cause of tailbone pain is something more serious, such as an infection, benign tumor or cancer. Medical treatment typically is not needed for tailbone pain. But try this to lessen the pain while you’re seated: Sit completely upright, keeping your back firmly against the chair, your knees level with your hips, feet on the floor and shoulders relaxed.
Although it is best to avoid sitting on hard surfaces, a heavily cushioned, overstuffed surface can allow you to sink into an unnatural, painful seating posture, which also isn’t ideal. Select a supportive chair with a moderate amount of cushioning. If pain is not relieved by those changes, adjusting your weight by leaning forward slightly when seated may help.
Sitting on a doughnut-shaped cushion or a V-shaped wedge cushion may help distribute weight away from the painful area. Using heat or ice on the painful area, as well as taking over-the-counter pain relievers, also may offer some relief. Use these techniques until the pain subsides.
- In many cases, the pain will lessen and then disappear over the course of several weeks or several months.
- In only a minority of people does tailbone pain last beyond that length of time.
- If tailbone pain persists for more than two months or if it gets worse despite these measures, see your health care provider for an evaluation to rule out other potential causes.
For chronic tailbone pain, a consultation with a specialist in pain medicine or physical medicine and rehabilitation may be useful. When necessary, treatment for chronic tailbone pain may include instruction in pelvic floor relaxation techniques; physical therapy; or manipulation of the coccyx, which is usually performed through the rectum.
What happens if tailbone pain goes untreated?
Is Coccydynia Treatable? – Acute coccydynia typically resolves within weeks or months. However, tailbone pain can become chronic (lasting longer than three months), if instability, soft tissue strain and inflammation aren’t treated. Some people live with the pain for months or even years.
Applying ice packs to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation Applying heat packs to soothe tense, tight muscles Modifying activities to take pressure off the tailbone (like sitting on a cushioned chair) Taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation Receiving a nerve block injection Stretching the low back and pelvis muscles Trying alternative therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic care and massages to relieve pain
Does tailbone pain get worse?
Weekend Wellness: In most cases, tailbone pain goes away within a few months DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Is there anything that can be done for a tailbone that is painful? My mother is 70 and won’t go to the doctor even though she is miserable. She said there is nothing they can do for her.
- Shouldn’t a doctor be consulted in this case? ANSWER: Tailbone pain can be very uncomfortable.
- Fortunately, in most cases, the pain goes away on its own within a few months.
- During that time, there are steps your mother can take to help lessen the pain.
- If her tailbone pain lasts for more than two months, or if it gets worse despite home remedies, then your mother should see a doctor.
Your tailbone, or coccyx, is the bony structure at the bottom of your spine that helps to support your pelvic floor. Tailbone pain, a condition called coccydynia, is usually dull achy pain in or around the tailbone. But the pain may become sharper or more intense after sitting or standing for a long time, during sex, or with urination or a bowel movement.
- There are many possible causes of tailbone pain.
- It is often the result of an injury due to a fall or trauma during childbirth.
- Tailbone pain can sometimes arise after sitting on a hard surface for a long time or sitting on an ill-fitting or jouncing seat.
- In some cases, the pain may be the result of sitting posture changes brought on by obesity or aging.
Only rarely is the cause more sinister, such as an infection, a benign tumor or cancer. Medical treatment typically is not needed for tailbone pain. But encourage your mother to try the following measures to lessen the pain while she’s seated: sit completely upright, do not slump or slouch, keep her back firmly against the chair, her knees level with her hips, feet on the floor and shoulders relaxed.
Although it is best to avoid sitting on hard surfaces, a heavily cushioned, over-stuffed surface may also be undesirable because it can allow you to sink into an unnatural, painful sitting posture. Select a supportive chair with a moderate amount of cushioning. If pain is not relieved by those changes, adjusting her weight by leaning forward slightly when seated may help.
Sitting on a doughnut-shaped cushion or a wedge (V-shaped) cushion may help by distributing weight away from the painful area. Using heat or ice on the painful area, as well as taking over-the-counter pain relievers, also may offer some relief. Your mother can use these techniques until the pain subsides.
In many cases, the pain will lessen and then disappear over the course of several weeks or several months. In only a minority of people does tailbone pain last beyond that length of time. If tailbone pain does persist for more than two months, or if it gets worse despite these measures, then your mother should see her physician for an evaluation to rule out other potential causes.
For chronic tailbone pain, a consultation with a specialist in pain medicine or physical medicine and rehabilitation may be useful. Depending on the situation, treatment for chronic tailbone pain may include instruction in pelvic floor relaxation techniques, physical therapy, or manipulation of the coccyx, which is usually performed through the rectum.
- An anesthetic and corticosteroid injection may be helpful in some severe or persistent cases.
- This is usually performed by an anesthesiologist or other expert in pain management.
- Given the potential for substantial complications, surgery is only considered as a last resort in severe cases.
- Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
: Weekend Wellness: In most cases, tailbone pain goes away within a few months
When should I see a doctor for tailbone pain?
Is Visiting Urgent Care Necessary? – An urgent care center is meant to treat patients with non-emergency but pressing medical issues. Patients can seek medical treatment outside the regular doctor’s office hours. Tailbone injuries rarely require a visit to an urgent care center because they can be treated at home.
- However, if you are experiencing unexplained discomfort or extreme pain that does not seem to fade away then it might be necessary to visit urgent care.
- If you have fallen accidentally on your back, consider doing a self-assessment before you quickly get up.
- Although most bruises and bumps on your tailbone do not require medical attention, extreme signs and symptoms such as strains, sprains, and fractures need to be treated at certified urgent care.
Some of the reasons to visit urgent care are when you are unable to move an upper extremity without feeling pain or your pain persists for a very long time despite self-care and treatment at home.
What makes tailbone pain worse?
Causes of tailbone (coccyx) pain – Common causes of tailbone (coccyx) pain include:
pregnancy and childbirthan injury or accident, such as a fall onto your coccyxrepeated or prolonged strain on the coccyx – for example, after sitting for a long time while driving or cyclingpoor posturebeing overweight or underweight joint hypermobility (increased flexibility) of the joint that attaches the coccyx to the bottom of the spine
Sometimes the cause of tailbone pain is unknown. Page last reviewed: 15 March 2022 Next review due: 15 March 2025
Is lying down good for tailbone pain?
3. Give sleeping on your back a chance – Sleeping on your back is the preferred position when it comes to reducing stress on your coccyx. Even better – try placing a wedge pillow under your knees as you lie on your back. This can help to further relieve stress on your tailbone and allow your coccyx to relax into the bed.
Why won’t my tailbone pain go away?
How is Chronic Tailbone Pain Diagnosed? – The pain usually goes away after a few weeks, but if it doesn’t relieve on its own, you likely have chronic coccydynia and should consult your doctor. An MRI will help medical professionals identify the cause of your pain, whether degeneration, fracture, or something else. Diagnostic tests and procedures include:
X-Ray (for fracturing) CT Scan (for fracturing) Bone Scan (for inflammation and chordoma) MRI (for inflammation and chordoma)
Does paracetamol help tailbone pain?
Management of tailbone pain Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories can help a person manage immediate pain symptoms. These medications may include ibuprofen, paracetamol, and aspirin. Topical ointments, such as Voltaren gel, may also help.