Coccydynia: Causes, Symptoms & Advanced Interventional Treatments at Samobathi Pain Clinic

Dr Debjyoti Dutta
2 days ago
3 min read

Coccydynia refers to pain in the coccyx or tailbone region, often worsened by sitting, standing from a seated position, or prolonged pressure on the lower spine. Although it is a small bone, coccyx pain can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. At Samobathi Pain Clinic, we provide evidence-based evaluation and advanced interventional treatments that offer long-lasting relief from coccydynia without surgery.

What Is Coccydynia?

Coccydynia is pain arising from the coccyx, the triangular bone located at the bottom of the spine.The pain may result from trauma, falls, prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, childbirth-related injury, or idiopathic inflammation.

Patients often describe the pain as sharp, stabbing, or aching, localized at the tailbone and sometimes radiating to the lower back or buttocks. Understanding the exact cause of coccydynia helps determine the best treatment approach.

Causes of Coccydynia

Common causes of coccydynia include:

1. Trauma or Injury

A direct fall on the tailbone is the most frequent cause.

2. Childbirth

Prolonged or complicated labor can strain the coccyx.

3. Prolonged Sitting

Sitting on hard surfaces for extended periods increases coccygeal pressure.

4. Obesity

Higher body mass increases stress on the coccyx.

5. Underweight Individuals

Lack of cushioning can lead to tailbone pain.

6. Degenerative Changes

Arthritis or disc degeneration near the coccyx may contribute.

7. Referred Pain

Pelvic floor dysfunction or lumbar spine problems can mimic coccydynia.

8. Idiopathic Causes

In many cases, no identifiable cause is found.

Symptoms of Coccydynia

Patients with coccydynia typically experience:

Localized pain in the tailbone area
Pain when sitting, especially on hard chairs
Increased pain when leaning back
Pain during standing up
Discomfort during bowel movements
Pain during or after sexual intercourse
Tenderness around the coccyx

Symptoms often worsen with prolonged sitting or sudden pressure.

Diagnosis of Coccydynia

At Samobathi Pain Clinic, diagnosis includes:

Detailed history and pain pattern analysis
Physical examination to check tenderness
Sitting tolerance test
Dynamic X-rays to assess coccyx movement
MRI to rule out fractures, tumors, or inflammation
Diagnostic local anesthetic injection for confirmation

A precise diagnosis is essential to plan effective interventional treatment.

Treatment Options for Coccydynia at Samobathi Pain Clinic

Treatment of coccydynia is individualized based on severity, duration, and underlying cause. Most cases improve with a combination of conservative therapy and targeted interventional pain techniques.

Conservative Treatment for Coccydynia

Early management strategies include:

Use of doughnut cushions or coccyx-support cushions
Avoiding prolonged sitting
Hot/cold therapy
NSAIDs or mild analgesics
Physiotherapy
Pelvic floor muscle relaxation exercises
Posture correction

If pain persists beyond a few weeks or months, interventional procedures offer significant relief.

Interventional Pain Management for Coccydynia

Modern interventional pain methods provide safe, targeted relief for chronic coccydynia.

1. Coccygeal Nerve Block

Injection of local anesthetic with steroid around the ganglion impar.Benefits:

Immediate pain relief
Breaks the chronic pain cycle
Helps patients resume normal activities

2. Ganglion Impar Block

A highly effective fluoroscopy or ultrasound-guided injection to block nerve signals from the coccyx.Useful for:

Chronic coccydynia
Neuropathic coccygeal pain
Cancer-related perineal pain

3. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Provides long-term relief by deactivating pain-transmitting nerves.

4. Pulsed Radiofrequency Therapy

A safer, nerve-sparing option for chronic coccydynia, especially when neuropathic features are present.

5. Caudal Epidural Injection

Useful when tailbone pain is associated with lower lumbar pathology.

6. Regenerative Treatments (PRP / Prolotherapy)

Used when ligament laxity or instability contributes to coccydynia.

7. Manipulation Under Anesthesia (in selected cases)

Helpful when coccyx mobility is restricted.

8. Coccygectomy (Surgery — last resort)

Reserved for severe cases unresponsive to all interventional options.

Preventing Coccydynia

To reduce recurrence:

Use cushioned seats
Maintain proper sitting posture
Avoid prolonged sitting
Strengthen pelvic floor and core muscles
Maintain ideal body weight
Practice ergonomic habits

Proper posture and early treatment play a vital role in preventing chronic coccydynia.

Why Choose Samobathi Pain Clinic for Coccydynia Treatment?

Specialized expertise in ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy-guided ganglion impar blocks
Personalized rehabilitation plans
Advanced interventional procedures such as RFA and PRP
Minimal discomfort, rapid recovery
Scientific, evidence-based approach
A caring and comprehensive environment for chronic pelvic and tailbone pain

At Samobathi Pain Clinic, our goal is to provide lasting relief from coccydynia and restore comfortable sitting, walking, and daily activities.

Conclusion

Coccydynia can severely impact daily life, but with accurate diagnosis and modern interventional pain management techniques, most patients recover without surgery.Samobathi Pain Clinic offers advanced, safe, and effective treatment options that help patients overcome tailbone pain and regain a pain-free lifestyle.

References

Foye PM. Coccydynia: Tailbone Pain. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2017;28(3):539–549.
Lirette LS, Chaiban G et al. Coccydynia: An Overview of the Anatomy, Etiology, and Treatment of Coccyx Pain. Ochsner J. 2014;14(1):84–87.
Gunduz OH, Kenis-Coskun O. Ganglion Impar Block for Chronic Coccydynia: Clinical Outcomes. Pain Pract. 2017;17(3):340–346.
Maigne JY, Doursounian L. Causes and mechanisms of common coccydynia. Spine. 1994;19(8):930–934.
Karadimas EJ et al. Surgical Treatment of Coccygodynia. Clin Orthop Rel Res. 2006;444:138–142.