About Tailbone Pain
Key Highlights
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Provides targeted diagnosis to identify the exact cause of coccyx pain (trauma, degeneration, etc.).Offers a structured, stepwise treatment plan starting with non-invasive conservative therapies.Can significantly reduce chronic pain and improve sitting tolerance and overall mobility.Addresses both the acute symptoms and underlying musculoskeletal contributors to prevent recurrence.Involves specialized orthopedic expertise in spinal and pelvic anatomy for accurate intervention.
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic pain at the tailbone lasting more than several weeks despite self-care.
- Pain resulting from a direct injury or fracture to the coccyx (e.g., from a fall).
- Pain that worsens with sitting, especially on hard surfaces, or during transitions from sitting to standing.
- Coccydynia related to childbirth or repetitive strain (common in cyclists or rowers).
- Failed response to initial treatments like over-the-counter pain relievers, ice/heat, and cushion use.
- Suspected underlying conditions like a coccygeal spur, hypermobility, or instability.
How to prepare
- Medical History Review: Be prepared to discuss the onset of pain, any history of injury, childbirth, and all previous treatments.
- Physical Examination: The orthopedist will perform a physical exam, which may include a rectal exam to assess coccyx mobility and tenderness.
- Diagnostic Imaging: You may need to get an X-ray (sitting and standing views) or an MRI to rule out fractures, dislocations, or other pathologies.
- Medication Disclosure: Inform your doctor about all current medications, including blood thinners, especially if an injection is planned.
- For Surgical Cases (Coccygectomy): Pre-operative tests (blood work, ECG), fasting instructions, and bowel preparation may be required.
Risks & possible complications
- For Injections: Temporary pain at the injection site, infection, bleeding, or rare nerve damage. Ineffective pain relief.
- For Coccygectomy (Surgery): Standard surgical risks include infection, bleeding, and adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Surgical Specific Risks: Injury to the rectum, delayed wound healing, formation of a painful scar (neuroma), or persistent pain (failed surgery).
- Post-operative complications like hematoma (blood collection) or seroma (fluid collection).
- Potential for altered bowel function or continence issues, though rare with modern techniques.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Post-Injection: Avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours. Pain relief may take a few days to a week. Multiple injections may be needed.
- Post-Surgery (Coccygectomy): Hospital stay of 1-3 days. Use of specialized cushions (donut or wedge) is crucial for 4-6 weeks.
- Pain Management: Prescribed pain medications and stool softeners to avoid straining during bowel movements.
- Activity: Gradual return to sitting, initially for short periods. Avoid prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, and high-impact activities for 6-8 weeks.
- Follow-up: Regular check-ups to monitor healing. Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen surrounding muscles.
- Full recovery and final assessment of surgical outcome can take 6 months to a year.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 2 weeks to 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tailbone pain in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for tailbone pain in India include Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform tailbone pain. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tailbone pain compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Tailbone Pain in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing tailbone pain.
Vihaan Shah, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Vihaan Shah, a 28-year-old software engineer, spends 10-12 hours daily at his desk. His tailbone pain began six months ago after a minor fall on an icy sidewalk. Initially dismissed as a bruise, the pain became a constant, sharp ache that made sitting through work meetings and his commute unbearable. He tried cushions, painkillers, and physiotherapy with little relief. An orthopedic specialist, after reviewing X-rays that showed a slightly misaligned coccyx (tailbone) from the old injury, recommended a coccygeal corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation and break the pain cycle. During the procedure, Vihaan was anxious but the doctor's clear explanation and a local anesthetic made it manageable, a quick, strong pressure followed by a dull ache. Within 48 hours, the sharp pain subsided significantly. After two weeks of modified sitting and gentle stretches, he could sit for normal periods. Emotionally, he shifted from frustration and helplessness, fearing his career was at risk, to profound relief and optimism. He regained control over his daily life and learned the importance of posture and taking movement breaks.
Orthopedists for Tailbone Pain
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform tailbone pain and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore