How do you relieve coccyx pain?

To relieve coccyx pain, apply hot and cold packs to the area, avoid sitting for prolonged periods, sit on a custom pillow, and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, advises Spine-health. If pain persists, a doctor may inject numbing agents. Spinal manipulation and stretching may also help.

Coccyx pain usually resolves on its own within several weeks or months, according to Mayo Clinic. If long-term discomfort continues, a doctor may perform a rectal exam to determine if a fracture, tumor or degenerative change is responsible for the pain. If another condition is causing the pain, treating that condition may alleviate the discomfort.

For persistent coccyx pain, doctors sometimes inject a local anesthetic to relieve pain, states Mayo Clinic. Doctors may also prescribe antidepressant or anti-epileptic medications to help alleviate the pain, or refer patients to a physical therapist, who can teach deep breathing techniques that relax the pelvic floor.

A chiropractor, physical therapist or physiatrist can teach various stretches to alleviate pain in the coccyx, advises Spine-health. A chiropractor can also manipulate the spine to relieve discomfort.

Surgery is the treatment of last resort, according to Mayo Clinic. It involves surgical removal of the coccyx, a procedure known as a coccygectomy.