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Tailbone

The tailbone, also referred to as the coccyx, is the very bottom part of the spine and is composed of several small fused vertebrae. It has an important role in providing attachment for muscles and ligaments and helps maintain balance when sitting.

Quick version

What is the tailbone?

The tailbone is the name for the small bony structure located at the very bottom of the spine and is usually made up of 3–5 small vertebrae that are often fused together. The tailbone serves as an attachment point for muscles, ligaments, and tendons and contributes to pelvic stability. Despite its small size, injuries or strain on the tailbone can cause significant pain and discomfort.

Anatomy and function

The tailbone is a remnant of the tailbone from our ancestors, located just below the sacrum. Its main function is to provide attachment for the pelvic floor muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which support posture and stability. The tailbone also plays an important role as a support point when sitting.

Injuries and strain

Tailbone injuries often occur from falling backward, childbirth, or sitting for long periods on hard surfaces. Overuse can also cause inflammation or irritation.

Common conditions and disorders

Pain in the tailbone, also called coccydynia, is a frequent issue. The condition may be caused by fracture, dislocation, inflammation, or chronic irritation. The pain often worsens while sitting and may radiate toward the pelvic floor.

Examination and diagnosis

The diagnosis is made through clinical examination and sometimes imaging such as X-ray or MRI of hip and pelvis . The doctor makes an overall assessment based on mobility, tenderness, medical history, and any associated injuries.

Relevant symptoms

  • Pain when sitting
  • Tenderness when pressing on the tailbone
  • Difficulty rising from a seated position
  • Pain during bowel movements or intercourse
  • Pain radiating toward the pelvic floor

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Coccydynia
  • Fracture of the tailbone
  • Dislocation of the tailbone
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Pelvic floor muscle and ligament involvement

Questions and answers

Pain when sitting is often caused by pressure on the tailbone. This may result from injury, inflammation, or prolonged pressure on the bone. A soft seat cushion can help reduce the discomfort.

Most coccyx pain is harmless and caused by overuse, pressure, or minor injuries. However, the pain can be very bothersome and interfere with daily activities such as sitting, standing up, or walking. In rare cases, severe or persistent pain may be due to more serious causes, such as an infection in the area or a tumor in nearby tissue. Therefore, it is important to seek medical care if the pain does not improve, worsens, or if additional symptoms appear, such as fever, weight loss, or a general feeling of illness.

Yes, the tailbone can sustain fractures from falls or trauma. This often causes intense pain that worsens when sitting or moving. In most cases, tailbone fractures are treated conservatively, meaning without surgery. The most common treatment method is rest and pressure relief, for example using a seat cushion to reduce pressure on the tailbone. Pain-relieving medications and physiotherapy may also be recommended.

Treatment often consists of rest and pressure relief, for example using a seat cushion, pain-relieving medications, and physiotherapy. In severe cases, injections or surgery may be considered, but this is uncommon.

The healing time varies but can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the injury.

Yes, during pregnancy and childbirth the tailbone is exposed to extra strain, which can cause pain and tenderness.

Coccydynia is the medical term for long-lasting pain in the tailbone. It may be caused by trauma, inflammation, or overstrain.

Tests related to Tailbone


MRI Hip joint and pelvis

MRI Hip joint and pelvis

Magnetic resonance imaging
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Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

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