The most common reasons why the tailbone (coccyx) hurts when sitting include:
- Poor sitting posture that places strain on the tailbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues.
- Prolonged sitting on hard, narrow, or uneven surfaces that concentrate pressure directly on the tailbone rather than the surrounding muscles.
- Injury or trauma such as a fall onto the tailbone causing bruising, dislocation, or fracture.
- Repetitive strain or overuse from activities like cycling or rowing that repeatedly stress the tailbone area.
- Pelvic floor muscle spasms or dysfunction around the coccyx.
- Changes related to pregnancy and childbirth where ligaments and muscles stretch and increase sensitivity.
- Carrying excess weight which increases downward pressure on the tailbone.
- Age-related loss of cushioning fat or cartilage degradation around the tailbone.
Tailbone pain when sitting, known medically as coccydynia, often worsens with sitting or pressure directly on the coccyx and can be accompanied by aching, sharp, or dull sensations. Improving posture, using cushioned or ergonomic seating, limiting sitting duration, and addressing any underlying injuries or muscle issues can help relieve the pain. If pain persists, a medical evaluation may be necessary to rule out fractures, arthritis, or other conditions.
