What Is the Coccyx?
Coccyx is the small, triangular bone at the base of the spine. Many people call it the tailbone. It connects with the sacrum and supports nearby ligaments and muscles. The coccyx helps stabilize the pelvis during sitting, standing, and movement, especially when body weight shifts backward.
Quick Facts About Coccyx
Category
Lower spine bone
Used for
Pelvic support and sitting stability
Common confusion
Often mistaken for the sacrum
Also called
Tailbone
Often discussed with
Chiropractic Adjustment
Key Takeaways About Coccyx
- The coccyx sits below the sacrum at the spine’s lowest end.
- Its position can affect sitting comfort and pelvic movement.
- The coccyx is not the same bone as the sacrum.
How Coccyx Works
Coccyx movement comes from its joint with the sacrum. Small ligaments and muscles around this area help hold the coccyx in place. The bone can shift slightly as you sit, stand, or change posture.
Related glossary terms: Lumbar Spine, Sacroiliac Joint, Spinal Cord.
A chiropractor checks the coccyx as part of the lower spine and pelvic region. The exam may include posture, movement, and tenderness. These findings help show whether nearby joints and muscles are affecting comfort or motion.
The coccyx also connects with pelvic floor tissues. Strain in nearby muscles can make sitting or rising feel uncomfortable. A coccyx concern may involve the sacrum, pelvic joints, or surrounding soft tissue.
From the Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs team
When we assess the coccyx, we look at nearby spinal and pelvic movement instead of viewing the bone alone. Our team may compare posture, joint motion, and local tenderness before deciding whether a Chiropractic Adjustment fits the overall care plan.
Coccyx in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person may feel soreness near the tailbone after sitting for a long time. During a Chiropractic Adjustment visit, we assess the coccyx area along with the sacrum, pelvic joints, and surrounding muscles.
Related Services
Related Terms
Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is the lower section of the backbone between the rib area and the…
Sacroiliac Joint
Sacroiliac Joint is the connection between the sacrum at the base of the spine and the…
Spinal Cord
Spinal cord is a long bundle of nerve tissue that carries messages between the brain and…
Pelvic Tilt
Pelvic Tilt is a change in the position of the pelvis that shifts the balance of…
Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs
Have Questions About Coccyx?
Contact Arrowhead Clinic - Lithia Springs for practical guidance on Coccyx and related chiropractor work in Lithia Springs.