See your GP or an orthopaedic/physiotherapist. The clinician takes a history, inspects and palpates the lower spine and sacrococcygeal area, assesses pain when sitting and during pelvic/leg movements, and may perform a digital rectal exam if needed. If symptoms persist or trauma is suspected, imaging (X‑ray, CT or MRI) and specialist referral help confirm fractures, dislocation, or chronic coccydynia.

Tailbone pain (coccydynia) is most often caused by trauma — a fall onto the buttocks or a direct blow — or by repetitive pressure from prolonged sitting on hard surfaces. In women, childbirth-related injury or strain is a frequent trigger. Less commonly, degenerative joint changes, infection, or tumors cause pain. Symptoms often improve with conservative treatments, though some cases may become chronic.

A doctor who treats tailbone (coccyx) problems—known as coccydynia—is typically an orthopedic surgeon or spine specialist (including neurosurgeons). Physiatrists (physical medicine & rehabilitation), pain-management physicians, and sometimes colorectal surgeons also manage coccyx issues. Conservative care often involves physiotherapists, osteopaths, or chiropractors; start with your primary care provider for referral.

To image the tailbone (coccyx), first see a clinician for exam and targeted imaging. Routine study is coccyx radiographs—lateral and sometimes AP or seated/standing views—to detect fractures or alignment changes. CT gives detailed bone anatomy for complex fractures; MRI detects bone marrow edema, soft‑tissue injury, infection or tumor. Contrast is rarely needed; imaging choice depends on symptoms and clinical findings.

Tailbone pain is serious if accompanied by severe or worsening pain, numbness or tingling in the legs or around the genitals, loss of bowel or bladder control, fever, visible swelling or redness, or after a high-impact injury. Seek urgent care for severe night pain, unexplained weight loss, or neurological signs. For pain lasting beyond a few weeks or getting worse, see your doctor for evaluation and imaging.

Yes. A CT scan visualizes the coccyx (tailbone) and gives detailed images of bony anatomy, making it useful to detect fractures, dislocations, bone lesions, and degenerative changes. CT is more sensitive than plain X‑rays for complex or subtle fractures. For soft‑tissue, nerve issues, or chronic coccydynia without clear bone abnormality, MRI is often preferred.