Clinically reviewed by Dr. Seth Hill, DC, President, Auto Injury Chiropractic. Last reviewed October 2026.

Tailbone pain, also called coccydynia, is a deep ache at the base of the spine that is worse when sitting. It can follow a fall or a car accident, or it can build over time. Chiropractic care offers a conservative way to treat it.¹

Chiropractor treating the lower spine for tailbone pain

What causes coccyx pain

The tailbone can be bruised, strained or injured by a fall onto the buttocks, the impact of a car accident, prolonged sitting, or childbirth. It usually hurts most when sitting, leaning back, or standing up.

How a chiropractor helps

After an exam, and imaging if a fracture is suspected, care may include gentle mobilization of the tailbone and pelvis, soft-tissue therapy for the surrounding muscles, and guidance on sitting and support. A 2025 review found manual therapy helped most with recent-onset tailbone pain (Blanco-Diaz et al., 2025).²

Care at all three clinics

We offer same-day appointments in Oregon City, Milwaukie, and Troutdale, with licensed massage therapists on staff. After a car accident in Oregon, your PIP coverage typically covers reasonable and necessary care. We bill your PIP claim directly and verify your coverage before your first visit. Book a visit and we will get you in.

Common questions

Can a chiropractor help tailbone pain?

Yes. After an exam, care usually combines gentle adjustment, soft-tissue therapy, and guidance on sitting and support.

Why does my tailbone hurt?

Common causes are a fall onto the buttocks, a car accident, prolonged sitting, or childbirth.

How long does it take to heal?

It depends on the cause and how you respond. After a car accident, active care often runs 8 to 12 weeks for a moderate to severe injury, and fracture-related cases take longer. Re-exams show your progress.

References

Lirette LS, Chaiban G, Tolba R, Eissa H. Coccydynia: an overview of the anatomy, etiology, and treatment of coccyx pain. Ochsner J. 2014;14(1):84-87. PMID 24688338.
Blanco-Diaz M, Palacios LR, Martinez-Cerón MDR, Perez-Dominguez B, Diaz-Mohedo E. Physiotherapy approaches for coccydynia: evaluating effectiveness and clinical outcomes. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025;26(1):514. doi:10.1186/s12891-025-08744-3. PMID 40420056.

Auto Injury Chiropractic