Tailbone Pain When Sitting? Here's What It Means and What to Do
Updated July 20261 minute read
Tailbone pain that's worse when sitting — especially leaning back or rising from a chair — is coccydynia, often from a past fall onto the tailbone, childbirth, prolonged sitting, or tension in the nearby pelvic floor muscles. It's usually not serious and responds well to cushioning, posture changes, and pelvic-health physical therapy. Tailbone pain after a significant fall, or with fever or bowel changes, should be evaluated.
What this usually means
Most likely causes. Coccydynia (tailbone irritation), often linked to a fall, childbirth, prolonged sitting, or pelvic floor muscle tension. Less common causes. A fracture after a fall, or rarely other local issues, can cause persistent tailbone pain.
What you can try at home
Use a wedge or donut-style cushion, avoid sinking into soft seats, sit with good support, and take standing breaks. Gentle pelvic floor relaxation can help since those muscles attach near the tailbone. Avoid sitting for long stretches while it settles.
When to see a physical therapist
If tailbone pain persists or limits sitting, a pelvic-health PT can address posture, cushioning, and the pelvic floor.
Red flags — don't wait
Seek care for tailbone pain after a significant fall (possible fracture), with fever, or with bowel or neurological changes.
How a PT treats this
Treatment combines cushioning and posture changes with pelvic floor–focused work and surrounding muscle balance.
Frequently asked questions
Sources (3)
- Bain HL, Mabrouk A, Foye P. Coccyx Pain. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2025. — StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf)
- Lirette LS, et al. Coccydynia: an overview of the anatomy, etiology, and treatment of coccyx pain. Ochsner J. 2014. — PubMed
- Andersen GØ, et al. Coccydynia—The Efficacy of Available Treatment Options: A Systematic Review. Global Spine J. 2022. — PubMed
This article is for education only and isn't medical advice. Always talk to a licensed clinician about your specific situation.