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Suffering from coccyx pain after a sports injury? We’re here to help. Our osteopaths answer your top FAQs related to tailbone pain and injuries.
The tailbone, medically known as the coccyx, is a small triangular bone at the base of the spine. It’s made up of three to five fused vertebrae and serves as an anchor point for muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your pelvis and lower back. Yes—“coccyx” and “tailbone” are the same thing; one is simply the medical term, the other the everyday name.
At Anatomy Rehab Dubai, our osteopaths are specialists in diagnosing and treating tailbone pain. We focus on identifying the exact cause of your discomfort, delivering targeted treatment, and guiding you through proven strategies to prevent future injury.
Are coccyx pain and tailbone pain the same?
As osteopaths, we can confirm that the coccyx and tailbone are one and the same. The difference is simply in terminology: “coccyx” is used in anatomy, while “tailbone” is more commonly used in day-to-day conversation. Understanding this is important because patients sometimes think they are two separate structures and may be unaware that their tailbone pain is in fact coccyx-related. By identifying the true source of pain through careful examination and postural assessment, we ensure you get the right diagnosis from the very start.
Is walking good for tailbone pain?
As experts in treating spinal and pelvic conditions, we often recommend walking—at a gentle pace—as part of a recovery plan for tailbone pain. Walking reduces the time spent placing direct pressure on the coccyx, which is often aggravated by sitting. However, we also stress that every patient’s condition is unique. For some, too much walking can cause compensatory strain in the lower back or hips. At Anatomy Rehab Dubai, we guide patients on the right walking technique, pace, and duration, ensuring movement supports healing rather than delaying it.
What is the main cause of tailbone pain?
From our clinical experience, the main causes of tailbone pain include direct trauma from falls, prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, childbirth-related strain, and postural imbalances. Sometimes, hypermobility or bony variations in the coccyx structure contribute to persistent discomfort. We always start with a thorough biomechanical assessment, looking beyond the pain site to factors such as pelvic alignment, muscle tension, and gait. By addressing these underlying causes rather than just the symptoms, we create treatment plans that promote long-term relief and prevent recurrence.
How long does coccyx pain take to heal?
As osteopaths, we know that recovery time depends on the severity and cause of the injury. A bruised coccyx can take around four weeks to heal, while a fractured coccyx may require eight to twelve weeks. However, chronic cases caused by postural strain or joint dysfunction may need longer-term management. Our goal at Anatomy Rehab Dubai is to shorten recovery time through targeted manual therapy, ergonomic advice, and specific exercises that reduce pressure on the coccyx while promoting optimal healing.
What does a damaged coccyx feel like?
Patients with a damaged coccyx often describe a combination of deep, aching pain and sharp, stabbing sensations—especially when sitting, leaning back, or transitioning from sitting to standing. As experts in musculoskeletal health, we also listen for signs such as discomfort during bowel movements, increased pain during prolonged activity, or tenderness when the area is touched. At Anatomy Rehab Dubai, our osteopaths use gentle but precise palpation techniques and functional movement tests to determine whether the pain is due to inflammation, ligament strain, joint misalignment, or fracture.
How do I tell if my tailbone is broken or just bruised?
From an osteopathic perspective, the distinction between a bruised and fractured coccyx comes down to pain intensity, healing speed, and functional limitations. A bruise typically improves within days or weeks, while a fracture often causes persistent sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty performing everyday movements. Imaging may sometimes confirm a fracture, but in many cases, our clinical examination provides enough information to guide treatment. At Anatomy Rehab Dubai, we manage both conditions with tailored pain relief, posture correction, and functional rehabilitation—avoiding unnecessary strain during recovery.
How to treat an injured coccyx?
Our approach to treating an injured coccyx combines evidence-based self-care strategies with expert manual therapy. We often start by recommending pressure-relief cushions, posture adjustments, and alternating heat or cold therapy. In our clinic, osteopathic treatment focuses on improving pelvic alignment, releasing tension in the surrounding muscles, and restoring normal joint mobility. We also teach patients targeted stretches and strengthening exercises to support recovery. In stubborn cases, we work alongside other healthcare professionals to explore advanced options such as injections—though in most cases, our hands-on approach yields significant results without the need for invasive procedures.
What is a Type 3 coccyx?
A Type 3 coccyx is a forward-angled tailbone, which can increase the risk of chronic pain due to increased pressure when sitting. As osteopaths, we pay close attention to coccyx shape and alignment, as these anatomical variations can influence both the cause of pain and the most effective treatment. For patients with a Type 3 coccyx, we place extra emphasis on customised sitting strategies, postural corrections, and manual techniques that reduce tension and improve joint function—often preventing the need for surgical intervention.
Anatomy Rehab Dubai: Osteopathy for Coccyx Pain
At Anatomy Rehab Dubai, our osteopaths excel at identifying the root cause of tailbone pain, relieving discomfort, and preventing future flare-ups. We combine in-depth anatomical knowledge with hands-on expertise, offering patients a complete recovery pathway—from accurate diagnosis to long-term prevention. Our holistic assessments consider posture, mobility, muscle balance, and lifestyle factors, ensuring every treatment plan is personalised. With expert guidance, targeted therapy, and a focus on functional movement, we help you return to daily life without coccyx pain controlling your every move.
