Video Description
Tailbone pain — pain at the very base of the spine — makes sitting uncomfortable, especially on a hard surface. Many people find a cushion helps and start using one routinely. The medical term is coccydynia.
It commonly affects people between about 30 and 60 years of age.
This page covers what causes tailbone pain, why posture matters, and how physiotherapy may help.
How it presents
The pain is at the tip of the tailbone. When it becomes more intense it can radiate to the lower back, and in some people into the legs — which is why it is often mistaken for back pain at first.
On assessment, the aim is to distinguish tailbone pain from lower back pain or hip pain.
What contributes to it
- Sitting for long periods
- Sitting with poor posture, or on an unsupportive chair
- Tightness in the hip muscles, which can add to the pain
How physiotherapy helps
Treatment first aims to reduce the pain and local inflammation at the site. After that, the focus moves to the contributing factors — posture correction and building core strength.
A programme is usually customised and may include hip, lower-back, thigh, and core strengthening, along with stretching. People who sit for work benefit from regular breaks and morning and evening stretches. Done consistently, this often reduces tailbone pain and can help prevent it returning.
Booking an assessment
If sitting brings on pain at the base of your spine, an assessment can identify the source. Learn more about back pain physiotherapy or call to book.
Chennai Physio Care® — Anna Nagar West, Chennai
📞 73052 74514
🕐 Monday – Saturday, 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Home visits are available across Anna Nagar, Kilpauk, Mogappair, Arumbakkam, Koyambedu, and Korattur. Call us to discuss whether a home visit is appropriate for your situation.
Last reviewed by Dr. N Vanathy, PT — July 2026 Chennai Physio Care®, Anna Nagar West, Chennai