What Is the Coccyx?
Coccyx is the small, curved bone at the base of the spine, below the sacrum. The coccyx connects with surrounding ligaments, muscles, and pelvic floor structures. It helps anchor soft tissues and contributes to comfortable sitting and movement. Pain near this area may involve the coccyx or nearby tissues.
Quick Facts About Coccyx
Category
Lower spinal bone
Used for
Soft-tissue attachment and sitting support
Common confusion
Often confused with the sacrum
Also called
Tailbone
Often discussed with
Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Key Takeaways About Coccyx
- The coccyx sits below the sacrum at the base of the spine.
- Nearby muscles and ligaments can affect coccyx movement and comfort.
- The coccyx is not the same structure as the sacrum.
How Coccyx Works
The coccyx forms the lower end of the spine and connects with the sacrum through a small joint. Ligaments and pelvic floor muscles attach around this area, so their tension can influence how the coccyx moves during sitting, standing, and changes in posture. The bone itself has limited movement, yet nearby tissues can change pressure and comfort.
Related glossary terms: Sacroiliac Joint, Pelvic Floor, Lumbar Spine.
Clinicians assess the coccyx by reviewing symptoms, observing posture and movement, and checking nearby muscles and joints. A focused examination helps distinguish coccyx-related discomfort from pain arising in the sacroiliac joint, lumbar spine, or pelvic floor. During pregnancy, changing pelvic alignment and soft-tissue tension can alter how these structures share movement and load.
From the Advanced Injury Care Clinic team
When we assess the coccyx during prenatal chiropractic care, we review sitting comfort, pelvic movement, and the surrounding soft tissues. Our team considers the coccyx alongside the sacrum, sacroiliac joints, and pelvic floor to guide gentle, pregnancy-aware care.
Coccyx in Practice: A Real-World Example
A pregnant patient may report discomfort near the tailbone after sitting for extended periods. We examine the coccyx area together with pelvic alignment and nearby muscle tension to identify which structures may contribute to that pattern.
Related Services
Related Terms
Sacroiliac Joint
Sacroiliac Joint is the connection between the sacrum at the base of the spine and the…
Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that spans the bottom of…
Lumbar Spine
Lumbar Spine is the lower section of the vertebral column, located between the thoracic spine and…
Range of Motion
Range of Motion is the amount and direction a joint can move through its available movement…
Advanced Injury Care Clinic
Have Questions About Coccyx?
Contact Advanced Injury Care Clinic for practical guidance on Coccyx and related chiropractor work in Hermitage.