When is cortisone injection recommended for coccydynia?

Coccydynia is pain around the coccyx, or tailbone, often noticed while sitting, rising from a chair, or leaning backwards. A clinician may consider an injection near the coccyx or a nearby joint when local inflammation contributes to symptoms and simpler measures have not provided enough relief. The medicine can calm inflammation, but it does not correct every cause of tailbone pain, including injury, pelvic-floor muscle tension, or referred pain from the spine.

Use a cushion that reduces pressure on the tailbone, change position regularly, and follow an individual movement or pelvic-floor plan. Tell the clinician about bowel or bladder changes, skin infection, blood-thinning medicine, diabetes, and previous injections. If an injection is chosen, follow aftercare instructions and increase sitting or exercise gradually. More information is available under [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/).

Seek prompt assessment for fever, redness or drainage near the tailbone, severe pain after a fall, new leg weakness or numbness, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Unexplained weight change, night pain, or pain that is rapidly worsening also deserves medical review rather than an injection decision alone.

Ask what structure is causing the pain, whether an examination or imaging supports coccydynia, and which non-injection options remain. Clarify the injection target, activity restrictions, expected follow-up, and which symptoms would mean the diagnosis or treatment plan needs reconsideration.