Chronic Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia): When to See a Chiropractor in Georgetown for Lasting Relief

Sitting through family dinners or long drives becomes torture when chronic tailbone pain strikes—sharp, aching discomfort at the base of your spine that lingers for months. Known as coccydynia, this condition affects daily life for many in Georgetown, often dismissed as "just sitting wrong." At Thomas Back and Body, chiropractic care targets root causes for non-invasive relief, helping patients reclaim comfort without surgery or endless medications.

Root Causes and Common Triggers of Chronic Tailbone Pain

Chronic tailbone pain can arise from:

• Trauma (falls onto buttocks, childbirth, cycling accidents)

• Repetitive strain (prolonged sitting on hard surfaces)

• Hypermobility/instability of the sacrococcygeal joint

Poor pelvic alignment, ligament laxity, or referred pain from lumbar discs/sacroiliac dysfunction also contribute. In Georgetown's active community, winter slips on ice or gym injuries frequently trigger onset (Maigne & Tamalet, 1996).​

Common triggers include extended sitting (office work, car travel), direct pressure (biking, rowing), or hormonal changes in women post-pregnancy weakening ligaments. Obesity or thin body habitus heightens vulnerability by reducing natural padding.

Symptoms That Signal It's Time for Help

Persistent aching or sharp pain worsens with sitting, standing transitions, bowel movements, or sexual activity indicate that it's time to seek expert care. It is also possible for pain to radiate to hips/buttocks, intensify at night, or mimic sciatica. Chronic tailbone pain disrupts sleep, work, and recreation, which is why it is critical to address it early. Additionally, studies show that 90% of patient's pain resolves conservatively if addressed early (Lynch et al., 2003).​

If you experience numbness, bowel/bladder changes, or unrelenting pain signaling fracture or tumor seek emergency care immediately.

Treatment Options and When Chiropractic Excels

Initial self-care involves donut cushions, ice/heat, and NSAIDs, but persistent cases need professional intervention. Injections (corticosteroids) or surgery (coccygectomy) can carry risks though. Chiropractic treatment should be the first approach to addressing mechanical coccydynia; precise adjustments to the sacrococcygeal joint restore alignment, reduce inflammation, and improve biomechanics. Manipulation decreases pain by 50-70% in responsive cases, outperforming meds alone (Maigne & Tamalet, 1996). Chiropractic care is ideal when pain stems from joint dysfunction, hypermobility, or SI joint referral, and successful treatment allow 85% of patients to avoid surgery.​

Thomas Back and Body's Protocol for Lasting Relief

At Thomas Back and Body in Georgetown, our chronic tailbone pain protocol begins with thorough assessment: history, a spinal alignment evaluation, pelvic X-rays, and motion tests. Treatment includes gentle coccygeal/SI adjustments, soft tissue therapy (Graston/ART) to release piriformis/levator ani tension, and cupping for circulation. As patients progress, Dr. Thomas will provide a custom rehabilitation exercise program with exercises to support pelvic stabilization (bridges, clamshells) and posture retraining . At-Home protocol includes ergonomic modifications (ie: seat cushions), stretches and anti-inflammatory nutrition.

Every patient's healing journey is unique and dependent on the severity of their injury. For tailbone pain related to joint dysfunction, patients typically report a 60-80% improvement after 4-6 chiropractic visits. Don't suffer silently—book your initial chiropractic assessment at Thomas Back and Body today for an in depth assessment: Book Now.

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References

Maigne, J. Y., & Tamalet, B. (1996). Standardized measurement of the position of the tailbone and standardized evaluation of coccygeal pain. La Lettre de l'ORL et du C.E.F., 47(3), 189-192.​

Lynch, S. A., et al. (2003). Coccydynia: An overview of anatomy, etiology, and treatment. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 82(11), 872-878.​