Living with tailbone pain (coccydynia/subluxation of the coccyx)
Chryssa, Netherlands
Posted 2025-10-28
It all started in May 2024, when I first began to feel a sharp pain at the very end of my spine, especially when sitting or leaning back. At first, I thought it was something minor - maybe a bruise or strain - and expected it to go away on its own. However, the pain persisted and gradually made sitting for long periods almost impossible.
In June, I decided to do medical imaging (MRI and X-rays), which showed a subluxation of the coccyx (partial misalignment). My doctor explained that this could be causing both inflammation and muscle tension in the surrounding area.
From there, my treatment journey began. Over the following months I tried several approaches:
- Manual therapy, both external and internal, with a physiotherapist in Rotterdam. This gave temporary relief but the pain always came back.
- A corticosteroid injection (Celestone) on 19 August, which unfortunately didn't bring lasting improvement.
- Pelvic floor and muscle release sessions, which helped only for one day before the pain returned.
- I also returned to the gym with semi-personal training three times per week to build stamina and core strength, but sitting pain remained unchanged.
At this point, the pain is still focused around the tailbone, mostly on one side, and flares up whenever I sit for more than a few minutes - even with cushions. My doctor mentioned that surgery could be a last resort, but before reaching that point, I decided to consult a new physiotherapist who specializes in coccyx and pelvic treatments. He performs the invasive coccyx mobilization technique, which I hope might finally bring a more lasting improvement.
So my next step is an appointment with my doctor in 2 days and make an appointment with the new fysiotherapist. Also I will go for a second opinion to my hometown in Greece to see a doctor there.
