What Is the Tailbone, and Why Does It Hurt So Much After an Injury? - #15291
A few weeks ago, I fell while sitting down, and since then, I’ve been experiencing persistent pain in my lower back and tailbone. I didn’t realize how important the tailbone is until I started having trouble sitting, standing, or even sleeping. But what exactly is the tailbone, and why does an injury to it take so long to heal? From what I understand, the tailbone (coccyx) is a small, triangular bone at the bottom of the spine that provides support when we sit and serves as an attachment point for various muscles. But why is it so prone to injury, and why does a tailbone bruise or fracture take longer to heal than other bones? What are the common causes of tailbone pain besides falls? Can poor posture, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, or certain medical conditions like coccydynia also lead to tailbone discomfort? Are there any natural treatments or Ayurvedic remedies that can help relieve tailbone pain and speed up healing? I’ve heard that castor oil packs, turmeric, hot compresses, and yoga stretches might help—do these actually work? If anyone has suffered from tailbone pain, what treatments or adjustments helped you recover the fastest? Did you use cushions, exercises, or physical therapy to reduce discomfort?
100% Anonymous
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
The tailbone, or coccyx, is a small triangular bone at the end of the spine that provides support when sitting and serves as an attachment point for muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s particularly prone to injury because it’s exposed to pressure when sitting, and any direct impact, such as falling, can cause bruising or fractures. Tailbone injuries can take longer to heal compared to other bones due to its limited blood supply and the constant pressure it endures when sitting or moving. Common causes of tailbone pain, besides falls, include poor posture, prolonged sitting, pregnancy (due to pressure on the coccyx), and conditions like coccydynia (chronic tailbone pain). To relieve pain and speed up healing, Ayurvedic remedies like castor oil packs (anti-inflammatory), turmeric (which has healing properties), hot compresses (to reduce muscle tension), and gentle yoga stretches (to improve flexibility and relieve pressure) can be beneficial. Using cushions designed for tailbone relief, adjusting posture, and performing exercises that strengthen the muscles around the coccyx can also aid in recovery. Many find that a combination of these treatments, along with taking care not to aggravate the injury, provides the most effective relief.
Hello!
The tailbone, or coccyx, is a small triangular bone at the end of the spine that provides support when sitting and serves as an attachment point for muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s particularly prone to injury because it’s exposed to pressure when sitting, and any direct impact, such as falling, can cause bruising or fractures.
Tailbone injuries can take longer to heal compared to other bones due to its limited blood supply and the constant pressure it endures when sitting or moving. Common causes of tailbone pain, besides falls, include poor posture, prolonged sitting, pregnancy (due to pressure on the coccyx), and conditions like coccydynia (chronic tailbone pain).
To relieve pain and speed up healing, Ayurvedic remedies like castor oil packs (anti-inflammatory), turmeric (which has healing properties), hot compresses (to reduce muscle tension), and gentle yoga stretches (to improve flexibility and relieve pressure) can be beneficial.
Using cushions designed for tailbone relief, adjusting posture, and performing exercises that strengthen the muscles around the coccyx can also aid in recovery. Many find that a combination of these treatments, along with taking care not to aggravate the injury, provides the most effective relief.
The tailbone, or coccyx, might be small but packs a punch when irritated. It’s true—it’s at the very end of your spine and is critical for body support and muscle anchoring. Injuries here, like falls or direct blows, often lead to persistent pain simply because sitting and moving about aggrevate it continuously, slowing healing. And yes, tailbone injuries just seem to take forever to mend since its position keeps it constantly engaged.
Poor posture, well, it definitly can strained the tailbone, along with prolonged sitting and weight gain, especially in pregnancy. Conditions like coccydynia, though, specifically relate to tailbone pain and might crop up because of an injury or idiopathically, meaning without clear reason. While these can mess with your tailbone, they all circle back to one problem—pressure on it.
For real natural remedies, Ayurveda’s got your back, literally. Castor oil, when warmed, could be massaged into the area to reduce inflammation. Turmeric, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, can be taken in milk daily for the same reason. A pinch of turmeric with warm milk morning and night might ease that ache. Hot compresses, actualy, they’re an old-world remedy that work today; use one a couple of times daily to soothe pain. Yoga, too, helps, especially Asanas like the Marjariasana (Cat Pose) and Shashankasana (Rabbit Pose) which gently enhance circulation and reduce stiffness.
Don’t forget—cushions, specifically donut ones, are your friends. They distribute weight evenly when you’re seated, decreasing coccyx stress. Physical therapy or gentle stretches may aid recovery, improving blood flow and flexibility. Shed light on core strengthening exercises, 'cause strengthening supporting muscles can lessen the tailbone’s pressure. And if things are still nasty, seeing a healthcare professional isn’t a bad idea. Tailbone pain’s no joke, and the best path forward always starts with understanding your body’s needs!

100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
About our doctors
Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.