When you’re pregnant, it’s common to brace yourself for a whirlwind of gross and uncomfortable experiences during labor and delivery. You hear that vomiting is on the table, back labor is a possibility, and you might find yourself dealing with a little something called “the most excruciating pain of your life.” You prepare for everything—except, perhaps, for the tailbone injury that can accompany childbirth. (Try pronouncing “coccyx” without stumbling!)
After delivery, every inch of your body seems to ache, but for me, the tailbone pain lingered as other postpartum discomforts faded. Whether I was sitting, slouching, or lying down, a jolt of pain shot through my spine. As a new mother, I spent countless hours in these positions—feeding, pumping, and snatching sleep whenever I could. Even a simple sneeze or laugh sent shockwaves through my body (talk about giving new meaning to “laughing my a** off”).
Naturally, I turned to the Internet for answers. While I discovered that tailbone pain was a common issue, my search yielded little comfort. Many women shared their struggles with lingering pain for months, or even up to a year, with no clear solutions. Anxiety began to creep in as I feared I might be stuck with this agony indefinitely.
At my six-week checkup, I finally had a conversation with my doctor. To my surprise, she suggested, “I’m referring you to postpartum physical therapy.”
“Wait, that exists?” I responded, both relieved and intrigued.
Indeed, it does. The pelvic floor consists of a group of muscles that stretch from the pubic bone to the tailbone, acting like a supportive hammock for critical organs. During delivery, this area can stretch dramatically and, as a result, may weaken. In fact, nearly 50% of women experience pelvic floor dysfunction after giving birth, according to various sources.
The specialized therapy targets pelvic pain, urinary and bowel symptoms, and utilizes manual treatments alongside neuromuscular re-education. I initially thought my therapy session would solely address my tailbone pain, but it turned out to encompass far more. Pregnancy and labor leave their mark not just on the body but on internal functions. My physical therapist conducted a thorough evaluation, assessing my hip and spine alignment, posture, abdomen, and pelvic floor condition. It was reassuring to be cleared of any other issues related to pregnancy, like diastasis recti—a separation of the abdominal muscles.
When we got to the tailbone, I faced a choice. In a rather humorous comparison, I recalled the Friends episode where Joey has kidney stones and the doctor presents him with options—unpleasant, but necessary decisions. For my tailbone, I could either allow the therapist to perform internal therapy or, well, that was really the best option available. It was uncomfortable, but I was desperate for relief.
While examining the area, the therapist explained that my tailbone was tilted inward, contrary to what I had assumed. Instead of being pushed backward during childbirth, it likely got pulled inward as I pushed with my legs curled up. After the realignment, the pain was still present but significantly reduced. My therapist also assigned me some homework: kegels.
“Really, that’s going to help my tailbone?” I asked, skeptical. She assured me that strengthening the pelvic floor would alleviate pressure and reduce the risk of further injury.
Her main advice for managing tailbone pain was to minimize sitting whenever possible. I lamented how challenging that was as a new mom, constantly nursing or sneaking in short periods of rest. She suggested practical modifications to ease my discomfort:
- Sit on a backward Boppy pillow or a kneeler pad with a hole cut out to keep the tailbone elevated.
- Use a heating pad while nursing or resting.
- Opt for firm chairs to avoid sinking too deeply into soft ones.
- Maintain good posture by sitting straight or leaning forward, avoiding slouching, which exacerbates the pain.
Taking her guidance to heart, I made adjustments—carrying rolled towels wherever I sat, including in the car. As I continued with therapy, the discomfort gradually lessened. By week 15, I realized I was no longer in constant pain. Even now, nearly ten months postpartum, there are still moments when I feel a dull ache if I sit awkwardly—a reminder that the body doesn’t fully revert to its pre-baby state.
If you’re pregnant, you might not want to hear about yet another postpartum side effect, but the unpredictability of childbirth means you can’t anticipate how your body will respond. If you’re facing similar challenges, consider these tips or reach out to a pelvic floor specialist. You deserve to live without pain, new moms.
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Summary:
Pelvic floor therapy can significantly alleviate postpartum tailbone pain, a common issue among new mothers. Through specialized exercises and practical adjustments, women can reclaim comfort and functionality in their daily lives. Don’t suffer in silence; seeking help is a crucial step toward recovery.