Small terminal bony structure below the sacrum, providing attachment for several pelvic-floor tissues.
mikeingram1; recoloration : MJL — CC0 1.0. Image source.
Understanding the structure and its role
The coccyx contains a variable number of small segments. It provides ligament and muscle attachments, including pelvic-floor attachments. Its orientation and mobility vary naturally. Coccygeal pain, or coccydynia, often occurs during sitting or when rising from a chair and may follow a fall or childbirth.
Symptoms and assessment
Examination looks for localized tenderness and considers how symptoms began. Skin disease, infection, referred pain or, rarely, another lesion should be considered in an atypical presentation. Imaging is not automatic; injury history and persistence influence the decision.
Assessment considers symptom onset, distribution, restricted activities and medical history. Imaging findings must be compared with the clinical examination: a visible abnormality does not, on its own, establish the source of pain.
Management and outlook
Reducing prolonged pressure through position changes and an appropriate cushion may improve comfort. Pelvic-floor rehabilitation or specialist assessment may be considered after examination. Lumbar traction is not a standard treatment for coccydynia.
For a mechanical problem without concerning findings, care aims for a gradual return to activity, individually selected exercises and measurable functional goals. Manual care may complement this approach when the examination supports it. Progress is judged through walking, sleep and daily tasks, as well as symptoms, rather than through an image alone.
When to seek prompt assessment
New or progressive weakness, newly impaired walking, loss of sensation around the saddle region, or new bladder or bowel control problems require urgent medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Must there have been a fall?
No. Pain can develop without a clearly identified injury.
Must I sit perfectly upright all day?
No. Changing position and reducing pressure are often more useful.
Can imaging establish the diagnosis alone?
No. Findings must fit the clinical history and examination before they guide treatment.
Should all activity stop?
Usually not: loading is adjusted and gradually increased according to tolerance and the diagnosis.
How should progress be monitored?
Track functional abilities, neurological symptoms and resumed activities so care can be adjusted.
Concept diagram showing key relationships; this is not a scan or an anatomical drawing to scale.
Role of TAGMED care
At TAGMED, this information helps clarify your history, guide assessment and determine whether conservative care is appropriate or medical referral is needed. An anatomical structure, sign or test result is not, by itself, an indication for decompression, laser, shockwave or manual treatment. Care selection depends on the cause of symptoms and your clinical circumstances.
Medical references
- OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Vertebral Column.
- National Health Service. Tailbone (coccyx) pain.
- NIAMS, National Institutes of Health. Back Pain: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take.
References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.
Educational information from The Spine Page. This entry does not replace an individual assessment. Documentary version: October 12, 2026. Sylvain Desforges, B.Sc., D.O., N.D., osteopath and naturopath.
TAGMED clinic contact details
For non-urgent consultations and information about available services.
Clinique TAGMED — Terrebonne
1150, rue Lévis, Suite 200
Terrebonne (Québec) J6W 5S6
450‑704‑4447
Clinique TAGMED — Montréal
1140, avenue Beaumont
Mont-Royal (Québec) H3P 3E5
1‑877‑672‑9060