Tailbone pain after a crash that makes it hard to sit

A rehabilitation physician and a physical therapist on easing a sore tailbone

For survivors and families3 min read

Spine and nerve injuriesTailbone injuriesPain managementImaging and testsWarning signs

Your coccyx, or tailbone, sits at the very bottom of your spine. A crash can bruise it or hurt the tissue around it. You may feel sharp pain when you sit down or stand up, or during a bowel movement. The tailbone can break. Still, the first job is to make sure a more serious injury to the pelvis or spine hasn’t been missed. If the pain began after a hard impact, tell a doctor. [1, 2]

Ways to make sitting easier

Sit for shorter stretches. Shift your position before the pain builds. A cushion made to take pressure off the tailbone may help. Some people feel better leaning forward a little or lying on one side. If your team hasn’t told you to limit activity, keep up gentle movement each day. [1, 2]

Ice wrapped in a towel may ease pain in the early days. Ask a pharmacist or doctor which pain medicine is safe with your other injuries and medicines. [1, 2]

Easing pain on the toilet

Straining can make tailbone pain worse. Fluids, fiber and a stool softener may help, especially if pain medicine has made you constipated. If you have an injury in your belly or had belly surgery, ask before taking a laxative. [1, 2]

Is the pain getting in the way of sleep, work or basic movement? Ask about physical therapy and whether your diagnosis should be checked again. It can take weeks to feel better. [1, 2]

Signs the plan needs to change

Get urgent care for new numbness around the genitals or anus. The same goes for losing control of your bladder or bowels, or new weakness in your legs. Call a doctor for fever, bleeding from the rectum or pain that gets worse. Also call if the pain hasn’t started to ease after several weeks. [1, 2]

Questions about your tailbone

  1. Is the pain coming from my tailbone, or could another injury be the cause?
  2. Which changes in sitting and activity are safe for me?
  3. When should I come back if it isn’t getting better?

Time how long you can sit

Keep track of how long you can sit in comfort. Note which positions help. [1]

Sources and further reading

  1. 1NHS, tailbone pain
  2. 2University Hospitals of Leicester NHS, tailbone injury

These tips are general education from rehabilitation medicine and physical therapy. Tailbone pain can have several causes. Get urgent care for new leg weakness, numbness around the groin, or bladder or bowel changes.

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