A number of injuries and conditions can cause pain in the tailbone, a small bone at the end of the spine. Bruising of the tailbone, or coccyx, may occur after an injury, most commonly after falling backward onto a hard surface, according to the University of Southern California University. Conservative treatment--rest, over-the-counter pain and inflammation medications and ice--is usually successful in treating the pain, although the course of treatment may last weeks or months. In rare cases, the pain is severe and persistent enough to require surgery.
Conservative Therapy
In most cases of tailbone bruising, conservative treatment will be successful although progress will be slow. The patient should reduce activity or stay on bedrest if necessary, according to the University of Southern California Hospital. For the first few days after an injury to the tailbone, applying ice packs several times a day to the affected area can help alleviate the pain, according to Dr. Richard Staehler in the Jan. 29, 2010, issue of "Spine-Health." Thereafter, the patient should switch to a heating pad or hot water bottle. Taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce inflammation and pain, and stool softeners may be helpful in preventing constipation and pain during defecation. The patient should use a donut-shaped cushion to reduce pressure on the coccyx while sitting, but should still avoid sitting for prolonged periods.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Patients whose pain is not relieved by conservative treatment may benefit from physical therapy to stretch the ligaments and strengthen the surrounding muscles, reports the Cleveland Clinic. Massage, ultrasound, gentle exercise and manipulation of the tailbone may be helpful as well.
Surgery
Surgery, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is considered only if conservative treatment has failed. Surgically removing part or all of the coccyx may relieve the pain in some instances, but the procedure is not always successful and the patient may not feel relief for three months to a year after surgery, according to Dr. Staehler.
Chronic Pain Rehabilitation
For some patients, chronic pain rehabilitation with a multidisciplinary team may be needed if their pain is not relieved by traditional methods and surgery is not an option, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Therapy for anxiety and depression may also be helpful.
