Tailbone Pain From Sitting Work: Causes and What Helps

In short: tailbone pain (coccydynia) often appears after long sitting, a fall, childbirth or because of poor posture, and sometimes the cause is unknown. At home, correct posture, a specially designed coccyx cushion, breaks and frequent changes of position help. If the pain does not go away within a few weeks or comes with worrying signs, see a doctor.

What is tailbone pain

The tailbone is a small bone at the end of the spine. Pain in this area is called coccydynia. It can get worse when sitting, standing up from a chair or under prolonged pressure.

Causes

According to the NHS description, causes include:

• pregnancy and childbirth;
• an injury or a fall onto the tailbone;
• repeated or prolonged strain on the tailbone, for example after long sitting, driving or cycling;
• poor posture;
• being overweight or underweight;
• joint hypermobility or reduced flexibility of the joint joining the tailbone to the spine.

Sometimes the cause is unknown. NHS: causes of tailbone pain.

What helps at home

According to NHS guidance:

• sit correctly with good lower back support;
• use a specially designed coccyx cushion, see orthopaedic chair cushion and tailbone or lumbar cushion;
• do not sit for long without a break, change position often, see how long to play without a break;
• lie on your side to reduce pressure on the tailbone;
• pelvic floor exercises, if a professional advises them;
• cold or warm packs (20–30 minutes);
• pain relief (for example anti-inflammatory medicines) on a pharmacist's or doctor's advice, taking contraindications into account;
• avoid tight clothing around the buttocks and lower back.

NHS: tailbone pain, self-care.

Sitting posture

• Sit deeper, with your back against the backrest.
• Do not slide down or lean back onto the tailbone.
• Feet on the floor, knees at about 90°, see how to sit on the cushion, monitor height and posture.
• Stand up every 30–60 minutes.

What a cushion does not do

A cushion can reduce pressure on the tailbone but does not treat the causes of pain. It does not replace diagnosis and treatment.

When to see a doctor

According to the NHS, see a doctor if:

• tailbone pain has not improved after a few weeks of home measures;
• the pain affects daily activities;
• you have a high temperature, tailbone pain and pain elsewhere, such as in the stomach or lower back.

Also see a doctor urgently for numbness in the buttock area, problems controlling the bladder or bowel, or weakness in the legs.

A doctor may offer physiotherapy, injections and, rarely, surgery.