When to See a Doctor for Persistent Tailbone Pain
If you’re experiencing persistent tailbone pain (coccydynia) that is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, or significantly interferes with sitting and daily activities, it’s time to consult a doctor. At Comprehensive Pain, our team of specialists is ready to diagnose the underlying cause, which could range from injury to less common issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort. Don’t wait for the pain to become debilitating—seek professional help. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. Our clinics are conveniently located in Greenacres, FL, and Port St. Lucie, FL.


Table of Contents:
How long should tailbone pain last before seeing a doctor?
What are the warning signs that tailbone pain needs medical attention?
Can tailbone pain heal on its own without treatment?
When does tailbone pain become considered chronic?
What kind of doctor should I see for tailbone pain?
Dr. Gatz Guide on Seeking Tailbone Pain Treatment
Tailbone pain, also called coccydynia, refers to discomfort or soreness at the base of your spine. This type of pain is often caused by minor injuries, prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, or childbirth. In many cases, mild to moderate tailbone pain can improve with self-care—such as using a cushion for sitting, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoiding activities that make the discomfort worse.
However, if your tailbone pain does not improve after two to four weeks of self-care, or if the pain is severe or getting worse, it’s important to seek professional help. At Comprehensive Pain, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating persistent or complex pain conditions, including coccydynia. We encourage you to schedule an appointment if:
– Your tailbone pain lasts longer than two to four weeks
– You experience severe or worsening pain
– You have additional symptoms like fever, unexplained weight loss, numbness, weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or visible swelling or bruising over the tailbone area
These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as infection, fracture, or tumor, that requires prompt evaluation and targeted treatment. Our pain specialists use advanced diagnostic tools and a personalized approach to develop effective pain management plans—helping you find relief and restore your quality of life.
Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, is often mild and may improve with self-care measures like cushioned seating, gentle stretching, or over-the-counter pain relief. However, there are important warning signs that mean you should seek expert evaluation from our team.
When to Contact Comprehensive Pain:
Severe or Worsening Pain: If your tailbone pain is severe, persistent, or getting worse despite at-home treatments, it may indicate a more serious underlying condition. Our pain specialists can provide advanced diagnostics and targeted therapies to help you find relief.
After an Injury: If your pain started after a significant fall, accident, or direct blow to the tailbone, it’s important to get checked for possible fractures or dislocation. We offer thorough assessments to rule out these injuries.
Neurological Symptoms: Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness in your legs, or pain radiating down your legs could signal nerve involvement. Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels is especially urgent and requires prompt medical attention—our team can facilitate immediate evaluation and care.
Signs of Infection: Swelling, redness, warmth, or drainage near the tailbone may indicate an infection or abscess. We can diagnose and treat infections early to prevent complications.
Systemic Symptoms: If your tailbone pain is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats, it could suggest a systemic illness or, in rare cases, a tumor. Our comprehensive approach ensures these possibilities are thoroughly investigated.
Persistent or Disruptive Pain: Pain lasting more than a few weeks, or pain that limits your daily activities and quality of life, deserves professional evaluation. Early intervention can help identify the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.
We specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of pain conditions, including coccydynia. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms—or if your tailbone pain is interfering with your life—please contact us for a comprehensive evaluation. Our compassionate team is here to help you get back to comfort and function as quickly as possible.
Tailbone pain, also known as coccydynia, is a condition we frequently evaluate and treat at Comprehensive Pain. In many cases, tailbone pain develops after minor trauma—such as a fall, prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, or repetitive strain—and may gradually improve with basic self-care. Simple measures like resting, avoiding pressure on the tailbone, using a cushion, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can often provide relief if the injury is mild and there are no underlying complications.
However, not all cases of coccydynia resolve on their own. If your tailbone pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms such as numbness, weakness, fever, or drainage, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a fracture, infection, or tumor. Similarly, if your pain does not improve after several weeks of conservative care, it is important to seek a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Our team specializes in diagnosing and managing complex pain conditions, including chronic or unexplained tailbone pain. We use a patient-centered approach to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you find lasting relief. If you are experiencing ongoing or worsening tailbone pain, don’t ignore your symptoms—contact us to schedule an evaluation and explore advanced treatment options tailored to your needs.
At Comprehensive Pain, we understand that tailbone pain—medically known as coccydynia—can have a significant impact on your daily life. While acute pain often arises suddenly after trauma, prolonged sitting, or childbirth and may improve with self-care within a few weeks, persistent discomfort lasting longer than two to three months is considered chronic that may lead lead to tailbone pain. If your pain continues beyond twelve weeks and interferes with your routine or quality of life, it’s important to seek expert medical evaluation.
Our team specializes in diagnosing and managing chronic coccydynia. We utilize advanced diagnostic techniques to identify underlying causes and offer comprehensive treatment options tailored to your needs, including minimally invasive procedures, physical therapy, and pain management strategies. Don’t let tailbone pain limit your life—contact us to explore effective solutions and regain your comfort.
When you come to Comprehensive Pain, our experienced pain management specialists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your discomfort, which may stem from injury, prolonged sitting, or other medical conditions. We offer a full spectrum of conservative and advanced treatment options tailored to your needs, such as pain relief medications, targeted physical therapy referrals, interventional procedures, and lifestyle recommendations.
If your tailbone pain has not improved with initial treatments elsewhere, or if you are seeking specialized care from the start, we can coordinate your care with other relevant specialists as needed. Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in pain medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and, when appropriate, we collaborate with orthopedic physicians, neurologists, and other medical professionals to ensure comprehensive management of your condition.
If you’ve exhausted at-home remedies, it’s time to consider the next step in your recovery. Dr. Bart Gatz, M.D., at Comprehensive Pain, is a pain management specialist who can professionally guide you. You should see Dr. Gatz if your tailbone pain limits your physical activity, causes you to use donuts or specialized cushions constantly, or wakes you up at night. He offers advanced, non-surgical interventions like targeted injections and nerve blocks to break the cycle of chronic pain.
We are committed to identifying the most effective strategies to relieve your pain and restore your quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent or severe tailbone pain. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. Our clinics are conveniently located in Greenacres, FL, and Port St. Lucie, FL. We serve patients from Port St. Lucie FL, Stuart FL, Palm City FL, Greenacres FL, Palm Springs FL, Boynton Beach FL, and surrounding areas.


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