Tailbone Pain Specialist in Plano, TX

Tailbone pain can be either acute or chronic. Acute tailbone pain is typically sudden and severe, while chronic tailbone pain lasts for longer than three months and either comes and goes or remains constant. As such, some signs that your tailbone pain is serious vary depending on the type of pain you are experiencing. When acute tailbone pain indicates a serious problem, it is usually sharp and intense pain. In contrast, when chronic tailbone pain suggests a serious problem, it is usually an ongoing and significant pain that lingers and disrupts your ability to do routine tasks on a daily basis.
 
With that in mind, some other signs that your tailbone pain is serious include the following:
 
• Difficulty with bowel movements and straining due to pain
• Enduring pain that consistently disrupts your ability to perform routine tasks
• Extreme localized pain and tenderness in the tailbone area
• Numbness or tingling in the back or legs
• Pain that lasts for several days or weeks
• Significant bruising in the tailbone area
• Tailbone pain that does not improve with treatment and continues for more than three months

Tailbone pain can be caused by a number of different things, including illnesses, conditions, or lifestyles and routines. As such, some common causes of tailbone pain are listed as follows:
 
• Degeneration to the nerves or joints around the coccyx
• Direct blow to the tailbone
• Falling backward on the tailbone onto a hard surface
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Local infection
• Obesity or being underweight
• Nerve root compression
• Sitting for prolonged periods due to occupation or lifestyle
• Spinal cord issues, which can occur from spinal surgery or degenerative disc disease
• Straining due to constipation or hemorrhoids
• Tumors in the coccyx, either cancerous or noncancerous

Relieving tailbone pain often involves a combination of home remedies and professional treatments. In many cases, simple measures like stretching and strengthening exercises, using cooling or heating packs, or massage therapy can provide temporary relief. These methods help alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation around the tailbone area. However, for more severe or persistent pain, additional treatments may be necessary.

At Northstar Joint and Spine, we offer a range of non-surgical treatment options tailored to your specific condition. One of the most effective methods for more intense pain is epidural steroid injections. These injections deliver corticosteroids directly to the affected area, reducing inflammation and providing significant pain relief.

For those dealing with chronic tailbone pain, we provide medical management to help manage discomfort and improve daily function. This may involve medications or therapy to reduce inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms around the coccyx.

In more complex cases, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be recommended. This technique uses a device to send electrical impulses to the spinal cord to interrupt pain signals and provide long-term relief.

Dr. Robert Nocerini, MD, Board-Certified, and the team at Northstar Joint and Spine will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your pain and helps you regain your mobility. If you’re struggling with tailbone pain, don’t wait—schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options.

Yes, tailbone pain can return after treatment, particularly if the underlying cause isn’t fully addressed or if certain lifestyle factors continue to contribute to the discomfort. While many patients experience significant relief from treatment methods such as physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, or other non-surgical interventions, it’s important to understand that tailbone pain can be recurrent in some cases.

In some instances, tailbone pain may return due to muscle imbalances, poor posture, or prolonged sitting, which places continued pressure on the coccyx. If these factors aren’t managed or corrected, the pain can resurface over time. Additionally, if the underlying cause of the pain is related to conditions like spinal misalignment or pelvic dysfunction, tailbone pain may recur unless these issues are properly treated.

Chronic conditions that cause tailbone pain, such as arthritis or degenerative disc disease, can also contribute to the return of symptoms. Even after successful treatment, these conditions may require ongoing management to prevent flare-ups.

At Northstar Joint and Spine, Dr. Robert Nocerini, MD, Board-Certified, works with patients to create a comprehensive, long-term care plan that not only addresses immediate pain but also focuses on preventing future occurrences. This may involve ongoing physical therapy, lifestyle changes like posture correction, and, in some cases, regular follow-up treatments to maintain relief.

If you experience a return of tailbone pain, it’s important to consult with Dr. Nocerini to assess the cause and explore further treatment options to prevent the pain from becoming a recurring issue.

When dealing with tailbone pain, the best sleeping position is one that minimizes pressure on the coccyx. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees is often recommended. This position helps keep the spine aligned and reduces pressure on the lower back and tailbone. By cushioning the coccyx with a pillow, you can relieve strain and avoid aggravating the pain. If side sleeping is uncomfortable, lying on your back can also be effective, but it’s important to place a pillow under your knees. This position helps take pressure off the tailbone and promotes better alignment of the spine, alleviating discomfort during sleep.

Another helpful tip is to avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this can put added pressure on the lower back and worsen tailbone pain. Whether side or back sleeping, using a soft mattress that evenly supports your body can make a significant difference in reducing tailbone discomfort. If pain persists, you may also want to consider using a coccyx cushion or donut pillow when sitting during the day, as it helps reduce pressure on the tailbone and can also improve sleep quality.

As a leading tailbone pain specialist in Plano, TX, Board-certified Dr. Robert Nocerini, MD offers advanced treatments to address tailbone discomfort with precision and care. Whether it’s related to posture issues, muscle strain, or nerve irritation, Dr. Nocerini takes a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

At Northstar Joint and Spine, Dr. Nocerini uses cutting-edge techniques to provide lasting pain relief, helping patients return to their daily activities without limitation. His personalized care strategies ensure that each patient receives tailored solutions that address both immediate symptoms and long-term prevention. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7704 San Jacinto Pl Suite #200 Plano, TX 75024. We serve patients from Plano TX, Willow Bend TX, Frisco TX, Allen TX, Addison TX, North Dallas TX, and surrounding areas.