Tailbone Pain and Infection

What Is A Tailbone Infection

The tailbone, also called the “coccyx”, is a small and triangular bone at the base of the spine. This bone helps support your weight when you sit, and anchors muscles and ligaments in the area.

Tailbone pain when sitting or otherwise is often a sign of tailbone infection. It may come with swelling or discharge around the area and can be caused by an inflammation, bacterial infection, or an infected cyst. This can occur with both men and women, especially those who sit for too long, suffer repeated friction in the area, or have poor hygiene.

Common Causes of Tailbone Pain

There are several possible causes of tailbone pain, including inflammation or infection. Below are common conditions leading to it:

Ingrown hair
Trapped hair and debris can become infected and form a pus-filled sac or abscess, which can be painful and may require a medical procedure for drainage.

Poor hygiene
Failure to keep the area around the tailbone clean can eventually lead to infections that cause pain, including inflamed ingrown hairs and abscesses.

Friction or trauma
Friction or trauma can injure the coccyx or the area around it, leading to discomfort

Prolonged sitting or tight clothing
Both of these place sustained pressure on the tailbone, contributing to discomfort.

Pilonidal cyst
Pilonidal cysts, especially infected ones, can lead to pain in the area.

Related conditions: Learn more about pilonidal cysts and abscesses.

How to Tell If You Have Tailbone Pain or Infection

You can often determine if you have tailbone pain or tailbone infection by looking for the following signs or symptoms:

Redness and swelling near the tailbone
Pain, warmth, or tenderness when sitting or moving
A feeling of the area being tender when touched
Leakage of fluid, such as pus or blood, from a lump in the area
In some cases fever, nausea, or fatigue

Book a Consultation with a Doctor

If you think you have a tailbone infection or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, book an appointment with our specialist for a proper medical examination.

Schedule an Appointment

What to Be Concerned About with Tailbone Pain

It’s recommended that you seek a doctor’s assessment or urgent care if you notice any of these signs:

Visible pus or discharge from the tailbone area
Increasing pain to the point where it interferes with daily activities
The area becoming increasingly red, warm, or swollen
The development of fever or chills

These could be signs of a deeper infection or an underlying condition like an infected pilonidal cyst.

How Tailbone Pain or Infection Is Diagnosed

To identify the cause of your tailbone pain, your doctor may ask for your medical history and ask questions like these:

Where the pain is located or most pronounced
If the pain gets stronger when performing certain activities
If you have recently suffered trauma or some form of injury to the area

Your doctor may also perform a physical exam that can involve:

Checking for redness or swelling in the area
Testing the area for tenderness by pressing on it
A visual examination of the area

Some tailbone infections may require more advanced imaging or procedures:

If a deeper infection or buildup is suspected, your doctor may request an MRI or CT scan to check if the infection has formed a deeper sinus cavity under the skin.
If an abscess or cyst is suspected, your doctor might recommend a minor procedure to drain it safely of fluids.