Symptom guide
Tailbone Pain
Pain at the very base of the spine (coccyx), often worsening when sitting — especially on hard surfaces — and improving when standing. Patients commonly describe it as sharp, aching, or bruised-feeling.
When to seek emergency care
- Tailbone pain following a fall with significant trauma
- Pain with bowel movements and new bowel or bladder changes
Conditions commonly associated with this symptom
Patients describing tailbone pain are commonly evaluated for these conditions. Only a clinician can determine which applies to you.
Which specialist typically evaluates this
The right provider depends on your specific situation. These are the specialties that commonly evaluate tailbone pain.
Frequently asked questions
- What conditions are associated with tailbone pain?
- Coccydynia (coccyx pain) and sacroiliac joint dysfunction are among the conditions commonly associated with pain at the base of the spine.
- Who evaluates tailbone pain?
- PM&R physicians and pain management specialists commonly evaluate coccyx and tailbone pain.
- Does tailbone pain always need imaging?
- Persistent or worsening tailbone pain — especially following trauma — warrants evaluation and may require imaging to rule out fracture or other structural causes.
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