1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Spine Seminar

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• The Spine
• »
• The Spine
• »
• Coccyx

Coccyx

The coccyx, also known as the tailbone, is the final segment of the vertebral column. It is composed of three to five fused bones (depending on the person) that are attached to the base of the sacrum by ligaments and muscles.

The coccyx is subject to injury during childbirth, from a direct blow to the tailbone, during a seated fall, or through friction and repetitive straining from activities such as bicycling and rowing. The majority of coccyx injuries occur in women, because the female pelvis is broader and more exposed than the male pelvis.

The coccyx is the last of five segments in the spinal column which are known as, from top to bottom, the:

1. Cervical spine
2. Thoracic spine
3. Lumbar spine
4. Sacrum
5. Coccyx

Coccyx pain is referred to as coccydynia. Its symptoms include pain and tenderness at the base of the spine, especially after prolonged sitting. Your doctor can diagnose your tailbone pain using a series of tests. First, he or she will likely conduct a physical examination and review your medical history. In order to rule out other conditions, like a pinched nerve or herniated disc in another area of the spine, an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be necessary.

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

Coccyx pain is usually treatable using conservative therapy such as the application of ice and heat, over-the-counter medications, avoiding long periods of sitting, and using a well-padded seat. Local cortisone injections may benefit patients who experience severe coccyx pain.

In rare cases where patients suffer from chronic pain even after trying conventional treatments, back surgery may be an option. If so, Laser Spine Institute (LSI) offers minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures to treat chronic back pain and neck pain. LSI’s outpatient procedures have helped thousands of people reclaim their active, pain-free lifestyles. To learn more about our services and for a free MRI or CT scan, contact us today.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.