Tailbone Pain Management Doctor in Plano, TX
Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, is discomfort or pain at the bottom of the spine near the tailbone. If you’re struggling with this condition, Dr. Robert J. Nocerini, MD at Northstar Joint and Spine provides specialized treatment options to help alleviate discomfort and restore your mobility. Our team employs efficient pain management strategies and tailor’s solutions to your specific needs. For more information, please contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7704 San Jacinto Pl Suite #200 Plano, TX 75024.


Table of Contents:
Can sitting for long periods cause tailbone pain?
How is tailbone pain diagnosed?
How long does tailbone pain usually last?
When should I see a doctor for tailbone pain?
At Northstar Joint and Spine, we understand that tailbone pain, or coccydynia, can significantly impact your daily activities and overall comfort. Tailbone pain often results from prolonged sitting, which places pressure on the coccyx—a small triangular bone at the base of your spine crucial for weight support while seated. Recognizing the causes and preventive strategies can help alleviate this discomfort and enhance your quality of life.
Sitting for long periods can indeed cause tailbone pain, often due to pressure, muscle tension, and poor posture. When you sit for extended periods, the coccyx (tailbone) is subjected to constant compression, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort. Additionally, remaining in the same position for too long can tighten the muscles around the tailbone, intensifying pain. Poor posture, such as slouching or leaning forward, can further increase strain on the coccyx, leading to further discomfort.
Several risk factors can contribute to tailbone pain, including obesity, previous trauma or falls, and certain medical conditions such as arthritis or spinal stenosis. These factors can weaken the bones and muscles around the coccyx, making it more susceptible to pain. Pregnancy can also increase the risk, as hormonal changes and added weight put additional pressure on the pelvic floor.
To prevent and manage tailbone pain from sitting for prolonged periods, it’s helpful to follow a few guidelines. Using a coccyx cushion can reduce pressure by distributing weight more evenly. Regular stretching, maintaining good posture, and taking breaks every 30-45 minutes to stand and move around can help alleviate muscle tension. Strengthening your core muscles through exercises can also provide better support for your lower back and tailbone. If necessary, consider using a standing desk to minimize continuous pressure on the coccyx.
Dr. Robert J. Nocerini, MD, and his team are dedicated to helping you find relief from tailbone pain. If discomfort persists despite these measures, we recommend consulting with us for an evaluation and personalized management plan.
We specialize in diagnosing and managing conditions like tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia. Our expert team adopts a comprehensive diagnostic approach to accurately identify the source of pain and differentiate it from other conditions with similar symptoms.
Tailbone pain is diagnosed through a combination of reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. During the medical history review, healthcare providers will ask about the onset of the pain, including when it began and any activities or incidents that may have triggered it. You’ll also be asked to describe the nature of the pain, such as whether it’s sharp, dull, aching, or burning, which helps in understanding the condition. The duration and intensity of the pain are important, so providers may ask you to rate your pain on a scale to gauge its severity and impact on your daily life. Identifying factors that relieve or exacerbate the pain, along with any recent injuries or events, is also part of the diagnostic process.
In the physical examination, the provider will palpate (gently touch) the tailbone area to check for tenderness, swelling, or abnormalities. They will also assess the range of motion of the tailbone, guiding you through movements to detect pain or restrictions. Applying pressure to the tailbone helps identify specific activities that worsen the pain, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
For a more precise diagnosis, advanced diagnostic tools may be used. X-rays help identify fractures or bone abnormalities in the coccyx, while a CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the tailbone and surrounding structures. An MRI offers a view of soft tissues, detecting inflammation or potential growths like tumors. Additionally, a diagnostic local anesthetic injection may be administered to the tailbone area; if the pain is relieved, it confirms that the coccyx is the source of the discomfort.
With a precise diagnosis, we develop effective management and treatment strategies tailored to your specific needs, helping you regain comfort and mobility.
At Northstar Joint and Spine, we understand that tailbone pain, or coccydynia, can significantly impact your daily life. Our team provides personalized care to help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Tailbone pain can vary in duration depending on factors such as the underlying cause, severity, and individual healing differences.
The duration of tailbone pain can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. For mild cases, such as those resulting from minor trauma like a fall or prolonged sitting, symptoms often resolve with self-care measures. These may include applying ice or heat to reduce inflammation, using over-the-counter pain relievers, and using cushions or padded seats to alleviate pressure on the tailbone. Maintaining proper posture can also help prevent further strain.
However, if the pain persists for more than a few weeks, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. A thorough evaluation can rule out other underlying conditions such as fractures, infections, or tumors, ensuring you receive the appropriate treatment. For some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen and stretch the pelvic and lower back muscles, tailored to your specific needs.
For chronic tailbone pain that lasts longer than three months, more intensive treatments may be explored. These options can include corticosteroid injections, and in rare cases, surgical removal of the coccyx if conservative treatments do not provide relief.
We aim to provide lasting relief from tailbone pain through diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care. If you’re dealing with persistent discomfort, our team is dedicated to helping you explore the best course of action for your recovery.
Tailbone pain, or coccydynia, can be caused by trauma, prolonged sitting, or degenerative joint changes. While mild cases often improve with self-care, persistent, severe pain that doesn’t improve with home care may indicate a more serious issue. Pain that interferes with daily activities like sitting, walking, or sleeping, as well as numbness or tingling around the tailbone, could signal nerve involvement or injury and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Worsening pain over time should not be ignored, as it could signal a progressing medical condition that needs timely treatment. Tailbone pain following an injury, especially with swelling, bruising, or difficulty moving, requires professional evaluation for possible fractures or structural damage. Additionally, symptoms such as fever, chills, incontinence, or changes in mobility along with tailbone pain may indicate more serious conditions like infections, which need immediate attention. For individuals with a history of cancer or unexplained weight loss, a thorough assessment can help rule out more serious causes of tailbone pain.
At Northstar Joint and Spine, we prioritize your health and well-being with a personalized approach to care. If you or a loved one is experiencing tailbone pain, especially with concerning symptoms, contact us or schedule an appointment for effective treatment. 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.

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Additional Services You May Need
▸ Back Pain
▸ Chronic Pain
▸ Epidural Steroid Injections
▸ Spinal Cord Stimulation
▸ Viscosupplementation
▸ Genicular Nerve Blocks
▸ Facet Injections
▸ Joint Injections
▸ Sacroiliac Joint Injections
▸ Lumbar and Cervical
▸ Facet Medial Branch Blocks
▸ Diagnostic Nerve Blocks
▸ Medication Management
▸ Neck Pain Doctor
▸ Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
▸ Headaches
▸ Suboxone
▸ Botox for Migraines
▸ Peripheral Nerve Stimulation