Coccydynia overview
Pain affecting the tailbone
The coccyx, sometimes referred to as the ‘tailbone’, is the bone at the bottom of the spine. The word ‘coccyx’ is derived from the Greek word for ‘cuckoo’ as it looks a little like an upside-down bird’s beak.
Although considered ‘vestigial’ (i.e. no longer needed), the coccyx does play an important role in human anatomy – for example when you sit down it shares weight distribution with the hip bones and provides stability and balance, and a number of pelvic floor muscles involved in walking and running (and going to the toilet) connect at the coccyx.
Any persistent pain that is felt in the coccyx is referred to as coccydynia (with ‘dynia’ meaning ‘pain’).
Coccydynia symptoms
Common signs of tailbone pain
The primary symptom is pain in the area of the coccyx. The following other symptoms may also be present:
- Pain when defecating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- General discomfort or tightness in the area.
- Pain when moving that part of the body.
- Tenderness / aching in the area which can severe or mild
- Pain when sitting down, but particularly when moving into or out of a seat
Where the direct cause of coccydynia is not clear, this is referred to as ‘idiopathic coccydynia’.
Coccydynia tests and diagnosis
How coccydynia is assessed
The first way of diagnosing coccydynia is physical examination, where the area around the coccyx is checked for pain or tenderness. Further tests are generally only required where there is no clear indication of the cause of pain. These tests may include diagnostic injections.
Other scans such as CT scan or MRI scan may be recommended – especially where a fracture or tumour is suspected.
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