The coccyx, or tailbone, is the lowest part of the spine, comprising 3-5 fused vertebrae. It plays a crucial role in balance and supporting body weight while sitting, and serves as an attachment point for tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

Tailbone pain manifests as discomfort in the lower back, often intensifying when transitioning from sitting to standing, or when bending over. Pain can also occur during bowel movements or sexual intercourse. Persistent pain may lead to other issues like back pain, sciatica, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.

Dr. Dao Pham Thai Son, from the Spine Unit at Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, explains that numerous factors, from lifestyle choices to underlying medical conditions, can contribute to tailbone pain.

A fall can injure the coccyx, causing bruising, dislocation, or fracture. Participating in sports like cycling or rowing, which involve repetitive forward and backward movements, can strain the tissues around the tailbone, leading to pain.

Prolonged sitting, especially on hard surfaces, can put significant pressure on the tailbone, increasing the risk of pain.

Being overweight puts extra pressure on the coccyx, causing it to tilt backward and become more susceptible to pain. Conversely, being underweight and lacking cushioning in the buttocks can lead to direct friction between the tailbone and surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons, resulting in inflammation and pain.

During the third trimester of pregnancy, the body releases hormones that soften the connection between the coccyx and sacrum, increasing flexibility for childbirth. However, this can strain muscles and ligaments, causing tailbone pain that may persist postpartum.

In rare cases, tailbone pain can be a sign of cancer near or metastasized to the coccyx. Cancers such as chordomas, prostate cancer, or rectal cancer can cause this. Tailbone pain related to cancer may be accompanied by symptoms like numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or groin; difficulty with bowel or bladder function; or a visible mass around the tailbone.

Dr. Son assesses a patient's lower back function. Photo: *Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7*

According to Dr. Son, tailbone pain is usually not life-threatening. However, it's crucial to seek medical attention if the pain follows a sudden injury and is accompanied by symptoms like loss of sensation, extensive bruising, changes in coordination, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Unexplained tailbone pain without a clear physical injury may indicate an underlying medical condition. Consult a doctor if the pain has no apparent cause and doesn't improve after two weeks, if it's chronic and recurring, worsens with home treatment, or is accompanied by fever.

Doctors may recommend X-rays, 1975-slice CT scans, or 3 Tesla MRI scans to assess the condition. Treatment options include oral or injected medication to reduce swelling and pain, stool softeners if pain occurs during bowel movements, massage therapy, and physical therapy to stretch muscles and improve posture. In very rare cases, surgery to remove part or all of the coccyx may be necessary, with recovery taking several months. Warm baths and sitting on donut pillows or gel cushions can help alleviate pain by reducing pressure on the tailbone.

Phi Hong

Readers can submit questions about musculoskeletal disorders here.