30/09/2025
Rethinking Tailbone Pain: From “Bone Realignment” to Fascia Release
Introduction: A common but misunderstood condition
Tailbone pain (medical term: Coccydynia) is a frequent complaint in orthopedic and rehabilitation clinics. Women are about five times more likely to experience it than men.
It can be triggered by a fall, childbirth, prolonged sitting, or poor posture. The result is often sharp pain when sitting down or standing up, significantly reducing quality of life.
However, both the public and even some medical professionals misunderstand its treatment. Many believe the key is to “push the bone back into place.” In reality, effective treatment focuses not on the bone, but on the soft tissues around it.
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Myth vs. Reality
Myth: Tailbone pain happens because the bone is dislocated and must be pushed back.
Reality: Most tailbone pain is caused by a cycle:
👉 Injury → Muscle spasm (pelvic floor muscles) → Biomechanical imbalance → Ongoing pain
The real source of pain is tight muscles, fascia, and ligaments, not the bone itself.
Forceful “bone adjustments” can actually make things worse, with risks of re**al injury, inflammation, and severe pain.
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Step One: Correct Diagnosis
Before treatment, proper diagnosis is essential. A physician may order:
• X-rays (sitting vs. standing) to check for fractures or instability
• MRI to rule out tumors, severe soft tissue injury, or hidden causes
Only after accurate diagnosis should treatment begin.
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Step Two: Conservative and Integrative Treatments
Treatment usually starts with a step-by-step conservative plan, including:
1. Physical and natural therapies
• Acupuncture: Used to relax tight muscles and improve circulation.
• Manual therapy / cupping: Helps release tension in the lower back and pelvis.
• Herbal support: In traditional medicine, certain remedies may help reduce pain and inflammation, or improve circulation in chronic cases.
2. Lifestyle adjustments
• Pressure-relief cushions: U-shaped or wedge cushions that keep the tailbone off the seat.
• Correct sitting posture: Leaning slightly forward so weight is carried by the sit bones, not the tailbone.
• Stretching: Gentle stretches for pelvic floor and glute muscles to reduce tension.
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Step Three: The Key Technique — Internal Fascia Release (Not “Bone Resetting”)
For patients who do not improve with standard treatment, an advanced technique called internal coccyx mobilization can be highly effective.
But the purpose is not to push the bone back. Instead, it is a form of fascia and muscle release:
• The therapist, using proper hygiene and lubrication, gently inserts a finger into the re**um while the other hand stabilizes outside.
• The goal is to release spasms of the pelvic floor muscles (levator ani, coccygeus) and tight fascia around the coccyx.
• This breaks the cycle of pain and restores normal function.
Clinical safeguards:
1. Informed consent – everything is explained in detail, with written consent and ideally a nurse present.
2. Clear indications – for severe acute pain, chronic stubborn pain, or failed conservative therapy.
3. Gentle and short sessions – usually 3–5 minutes, with minimal discomfort.
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Conclusion: A New Way of Thinking
The future of tailbone pain treatment is a shift from “bone alignment” to “functional recovery.”
The so-called “internal coccyx technique” should be seen as a precise fascia release, not a bone adjustment. Relief comes from relaxing tight soft tissues, not from moving bones.
👉 For both healthcare providers and patients, the priority should be symptom relief, functional improvement, and safe, integrative care.
Only with this mindset can patients achieve real, lasting recovery.
📍 Vuda Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic
For more information or to discuss your symptoms, call us at 8002727 / 7251314.
