Imaging after coccygeal trauma and coccydynia

Coccydynia means pain around the coccyx, or tailbone. It may follow a fall, direct impact, childbirth, prolonged pressure, or develop without one clear event. Pain is often worse when sitting, rising from a chair, leaning backward, or having a bowel movement. An examination helps identify tenderness and check nearby nerves and joints. Plain imaging may be considered after trauma, while other scans are reserved for particular findings or persistent symptoms; a scan does not always explain pain by itself.

Reduce direct pressure with a coccyx cushion, take regular standing breaks, and avoid long periods on hard seats. Use pain relief only as directed and consider whether another health condition or medicine affects your options. If symptoms continue, [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) may address sitting posture, pelvic movement, and surrounding muscle tension. A clinician may discuss a targeted [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) when simpler measures have not provided enough relief.

Seek medical assessment after a significant fall, severe pain, inability to sit or walk normally, or pain that is not settling. Get urgent help for new leg weakness, numbness around the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms can indicate a problem needing prompt evaluation rather than routine coccyx care.

Ask whether your history and examination suggest a coccyx injury, whether imaging would change management, and how long to try pressure relief. Discuss safe pain-relief choices, physiotherapy, injection risks, and which changes should trigger an earlier review.