What Is the Coccyx?
Coccyx is the small, tapered bone at the base of the spine, commonly called the tailbone. It connects with the sacrum and helps anchor muscles and ligaments around the pelvis. The coccyx also supports the body during seated movement and can contribute to pain felt near the lower back or buttocks.
Quick Facts About Coccyx
Category
Lower spinal bone
Used for
Assessing tailbone and lower pelvic pain
Common confusion
Coccyx pain versus referred lower back pain
Also called
Tailbone
Often discussed with
Back Pain Treatment
Key Takeaways About Coccyx
- The coccyx sits below the sacrum at the spine’s lower end.
- Its position can affect sitting comfort and nearby soft tissues.
- Tailbone pain is not always caused by the coccyx itself.
How Coccyx Works
Coccyx is used in clinical language to describe the tailbone region at the bottom of the spinal column. The bone connects with the sacrum and gives nearby ligaments, muscles, and connective tissues a place to attach. These connections help the pelvis and lower spine respond during sitting, standing, and changes in posture.
Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Facet Joint, Referred Pain.
A back pain evaluation considers the coccyx alongside the lumbar spine, sacroiliac area, hips, and surrounding muscles. Tenderness near the tailbone can come from the coccyx, but pain may also be referred from another nearby structure. A clinician may compare movement, posture, pressure sensitivity, and symptom location to understand which area needs attention.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City team
When we assess the coccyx during back pain treatment, we consider its location, nearby joints, pelvic alignment, and the pattern of reported symptoms. We also distinguish direct tailbone tenderness from discomfort that may come from the lumbar spine, hips, or surrounding soft tissues.
Coccyx in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person may report sharp discomfort near the tailbone after sitting for a long period. During back pain treatment, the care team can examine the coccyx area and compare it with nearby spinal and pelvic structures.
Related Services
Related Terms
Lumbar Spine
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the spinal column between the thoracic spine and the…
Facet Joint
A Facet Joint is a small synovial joint at the back of the spine that connects…
Referred Pain
Referred Pain is discomfort felt in an area that differs from the tissue or structure producing…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Garden City
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