Tailbone Pain Treatment Specialist in Greenacres, FL

Tailbone pain can develop even when there is no known fall, accident, or direct injury. This is sometimes called idiopathic coccydynia, meaning the exact cause cannot be identified.

Several factors may contribute to unexplained tailbone pain, including:

• Prolonged sitting: Spending long periods on hard surfaces can place repeated pressure on the coccyx.
• Joint changes: Degenerative changes or inflammation around the tailbone joints may contribute to discomfort.
• Muscle tension: Tightness in the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles can increase pressure or sensitivity in the area.
• Repetitive strain: Activities such as cycling or repeated movements that put pressure on the tailbone may trigger symptoms.
• Structural differences: Natural variations in coccyx shape or movement may make certain individuals more prone to pain.
• Other conditions, including infections, cysts, and rarely tumors, may also cause pain in this region. Persistent or unexplained symptoms deserve medical evaluation rather than assumptions about the cause.

At Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches, Dr. Bart Gatz considers the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and physical findings when evaluating tailbone pain. Identifying possible contributing factors helps determine whether conservative care or additional pain management may be appropriate.

Sitting places direct pressure on the coccyx, which is why many people experience increased discomfort in this position. The pain may become more noticeable when leaning backward, sitting on a hard surface, or moving from a seated to a standing position.

Several factors can make sitting especially uncomfortable:

• Direct pressure: Body weight transfers pressure to the tailbone while seated.
• Inflammation: Irritation around the coccyx can make even mild pressure painful.
• Limited movement: Remaining in one position for an extended period may aggravate sensitive tissues.
• Pelvic floor tension: Tight muscles around the pelvis may contribute to discomfort when sitting.

Some practical changes may help reduce pressure, including using a coccyx cushion, leaning slightly forward while seated, changing positions regularly, and avoiding prolonged sitting when possible.

When these adjustments do not provide enough relief, a pain management evaluation can help identify the source of persistent symptoms.

Yes. Although tailbone pain is usually most noticeable while sitting, persistent symptoms can affect several daily activities. Discomfort may occur when standing up, walking, bending, driving, exercising, or changing positions.

People experiencing ongoing coccydynia may also notice:

• Difficulty sitting comfortably at work or during travel.
• Discomfort when transitioning from sitting to standing.
• Reduced participation in exercise and recreational activities.
• Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position.
• Interrupted sleep due to pain or pressure.
• Changes in daily routines to avoid uncomfortable movements.

When pain continues, it can affect physical activity, sleep quality, and overall well-being. Some individuals may also experience increased stress because of ongoing discomfort.

At Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches, Dr. Bart Gatz evaluates how pain affects each patient’s mobility and daily routine. Depending on the findings, treatment may include activity modifications, physical therapy, medication management, and targeted injections. The goal is to address the underlying pain generator and help patients improve their comfort and function.

You should consider a medical evaluation if tailbone pain lasts longer than a few weeks, keeps returning, or interferes with sitting, walking, sleeping, or other everyday activities. Pain that develops without a clear explanation should also be assessed, particularly when it does not improve with basic self-care.

Seek prompt medical attention if tailbone pain occurs with:

• Fever, chills, or signs of infection.
• New numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
• Changes in bladder or bowel control.
• Numbness around the groin or inner thighs.
• Unexplained weight loss or a new lump near the painful area.
• Severe pain following a significant fall or injury.
• New bowel or bladder control problems, saddle-area numbness, or rapidly progressing leg weakness require emergency evaluation.

At Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches, Dr. Gatz provides pain management evaluations for patients experiencing persistent discomfort. The assessment helps determine whether further testing, conservative treatment, or an interventional approach may be appropriate. Early evaluation can also help identify conditions that need care beyond routine pain management.

Finding the cause of tailbone pain is an important part of selecting appropriate treatment. Symptoms can resemble discomfort caused by lower back conditions, pelvic muscle problems, or other nearby structures.

During an evaluation, Dr. Bart Gatz may consider:

• Medical history: Previous injuries, daily activities, sitting habits, and how long symptoms have been present.
• Physical examination: The location of tenderness, pain with movement, and other findings around the lower spine and coccyx.
• Imaging: X-rays may help identify structural changes or fractures. Certain scans may be considered when symptoms or examination findings suggest a need for additional investigation.

Not every patient needs imaging. Testing is selected based on the clinical findings and suspected cause.

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, duration, and effect of symptoms on daily activities. Many cases improve with conservative care, while persistent pain may require additional treatment.

At Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches, treatment options may include:

Activity Modification and Supportive Cushions
Reducing prolonged sitting, avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms, and using a coccyx cushion can help decrease pressure on the tailbone.

• Medication Management
Certain over-the-counter pain relievers may help manage discomfort and inflammation. Medication recommendations should account for existing medical conditions, allergies, and other medications.

• Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may address pelvic floor tension, posture, and muscle imbalances around the lower back and hips. A physical therapist can recommend exercises and movement strategies based on individual needs.

• Pain Management Injections
For persistent tailbone pain that does not respond adequately to conservative treatment, targeted injections may be considered. These injections can help reduce inflammation and temporarily interrupt pain signals. Dr. Bart Gatz and the medical team offer targeted injection treatment when clinically appropriate.

• Additional Interventional Pain Management
Depending on the diagnosis, other pain management approaches may be considered. Treatment selection requires an individual evaluation rather than assuming that every patient needs an injection or procedure. Available options may include:
Nerve Blocks
Epidural Injections
Radiofrequency Ablation

Tailbone pain treatment should be selected according to the underlying condition, medical history, and individual risk factors.
Anti-inflammatory medications may cause stomach irritation, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems, or interactions with other medications.

Corticosteroid injections may cause temporary soreness, bleeding, infection, or changes in blood sugar. Repeated steroid exposure also requires consideration of potential cumulative effects.

Physical therapy exercises should be appropriate for the patient’s condition and adjusted if they increase pain.
Injections are not suitable for every patient, particularly when certain infections, medication allergies, bleeding risks, or other contraindications are present.

Before recommending an intervention, Dr. Gatz considers its potential benefits, limitations, and risks. Patients should discuss their medications, allergies, medical conditions, and previous treatment experiences during the evaluation.

Dr. Bart Gatz brings nearly two decades of experience in pain management medicine to Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches. He completed his medical education at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, followed by an anesthesiology residency at Kansas University Medical Center and an anesthesiology and pain management fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina.

His background in pain medicine and anesthesia supports the evaluation and management of different pain conditions. For patients experiencing persistent tailbone pain, Dr. Gatz considers the possible source of discomfort and whether conservative treatment or targeted interventional care may be suitable.

Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches offers additional pain management services, including nerve blocks, epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, and pain relief injections. These treatments address different conditions and are recommended only when appropriate for the patient’s diagnosis.

For individuals experiencing ongoing tailbone pain in Greenacres, FL, an appointment with Dr. Gatz provides an opportunity to discuss symptoms, previous treatments, and appropriate next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tailbone pain may improve within a few weeks, although some cases last several months. Recovery depends on the underlying cause, severity, and response to treatment. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated.

Not everyone with tailbone pain needs an X-ray. A healthcare provider may recommend imaging when an injury, fracture, structural problem, or another underlying condition is suspected.

Yes. Symptoms may return if the underlying cause persists or repeated pressure aggravates the area. Addressing contributing factors and following an appropriate care plan may help reduce recurring discomfort.

Tailbone pain may occur alongside lower back discomfort because the coccyx, sacrum, and surrounding muscles work together. However, pain in both areas may also indicate separate conditions that require evaluation.

Persistent tailbone pain can make sitting, walking, working, and resting difficult. A proper evaluation can help identify possible causes and determine which treatment options may be appropriate.

At Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches, Dr. Bart Gatz, M.D., provides individualized pain management care in Greenacres, FL. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 4897 Jog Rd, Suite B, Greenacres, FL 33467. We serve patients from Greenacres FL, Port St. Lucie FL, Stuart FL, Palm City FL, Palm Springs FL, Boynton Beach FL, and surrounding areas.

• Mayo Clinic – Tailbone Pain: How Can I Relieve It? – Causes, symptoms, and treatment.
• Cleveland Clinic – Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia) – Diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options.
• NCBI – Coccyx Pain – Clinical evaluation, causes, and management.
• Contemporary Management of Coccydynia (2026) – Recent review of diagnostic and treatment approaches.