How to tell if you have Tailbone Pain (coccyx pain)

Tailbone pain (coccyx pain) can be severe and very problematic. How do you know if your pain is coming from a sore tailbone (coccyx)? If you have pain, soreness, discomfort, aching, or other symptoms in the region of the lower back, buttocks, etc., you may be unsure if the symptoms are coming from the tailbone or now. In my medical career as a physician who has treated at least hundreds of patients with tailbone pain, I commonly see patients who have suffered for years without knowing what was causing their pain. The steps below may help you and your doctor determine whether the pain is coming from the tailbone (coccyx).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Location: Pay attention to where the worst area of pain seems to be. The tailbone is at the lowest (bottom) tip of the spine. Tailbone pain is typically in the midline, between the right and left buttock cheeks, slightly above the anus. One way to educate yourself on the location of the tailbone is to look at images on the internet (see the links at the bottom of this page).
2. Injury: Try to remember any injury or trauma you had before the pain started. The tailbone can be injured, bruised, fractured (broken, chipped), by trauma such as falling onto the tailbone. Sports injuries could include falls onto the tailbone while skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or playing basketball, football, etc. Prolonged sitting can also cause tailbone pain, such as on a long trip or while cycling (sitting on a bike). Sometimes tailbone pain can begin after no trauma or injury to the region at all.
3. Exacerbating factors: Notice what makes it worse. Tailbone pain is typically worse while sitting. In particular, sitting and then leaning slightly backwards puts pressure (body weight) on the tailbone, worsening the pain. The pain may also be worse for a few moments when you first stand up from sitting. A coccyx cushion may help.
4. See your physician: Have your doctor evaluate your symptoms and perform a careful physical examination. Ask your doctor whether there are any tests that might help confirm what is causing your pain.
5. If your doctor is not experienced at evaluating or treating tailbone pain, seek a second opinion from a physician with more expertise in this area.

Tips & Warnings

• For more information on Tailbone pain, please see TailboneDoctor’s other articles on eHow, or go to www.TailboneDoctor.com
• WARNING: This information is intended to be educational and is NOT to be considered as medical advice. This information is NOT a substitute for direct medical care from a physician who evaluates you in person.
• WARNING: coccyx pain can sometimes be due to very serious underlying medical conditions, so it is important to seek in-person evaluation by a medical professional.
• WARNING: Many physicians and other health providers have little or no experience in evaluating or treating tailbone pain or coccyx injuries. If you are not satisfied with the first physician you see, then seek medical attention from a specialist with experience in treating tailbone pain.