Tailbone pain care · Murray Hill, NYC
Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia) Treatment in NYC
It hurts to sit, and it hurts even more when you lean back in your chair or stand up from it. Maybe it started after a fall on the ice, after giving birth, or for no clear reason at all. Now every meeting, subway ride, and dinner out means shifting from side to side to find a position that doesn't hurt.
Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C., is a Certified Craniosacral Therapist and a licensed chiropractor since 2000. At his office in Murray Hill, he uses gentle craniosacral therapy (CST) and myofascial work. The goal is to ease tension around the base of the spine, pelvis, and lower back.
The good news is that most tailbone pain gets better without surgery.
What Is Coccydynia?
Coccydynia is the medical name for pain in the coccyx, the small bone at the very bottom of your spine. The pain is usually worse when you:
- Sit for a long time, especially on hard or narrow seats
- Lean back while sitting
- Stand up after sitting
Women are about five times more likely than men to have it. Common causes include a hard fall onto your bottom or a difficult delivery. Long hours of sitting on hard surfaces can also play a part. For about a third of people, there's no clear cause.
A medical review of the condition found that conservative care works for about 90 percent of people. That includes cushions, changes in how you sit, and hands-on care.
When to See a Doctor First
Please see a doctor before booking with us if your pain followed a hard fall, or if you have:
- Numbness or weakness in your legs
- Changes in bladder or bowel control
- Fever, a lump, or drainage in the area
- Unexplained weight loss
These causes are rare, but they need a proper medical exam.
How Dr. Kaminsky Approaches Tailbone Pain
Looking beyond the tailbone
In Dr. Kaminsky's view, coccyx pain is often tied to tight muscles and connective tissue nearby. These include the buttocks, hips, pelvic floor, lower back, and sacrum. Knots in these muscles, called trigger points, can send pain down toward the coccyx. So he checks these areas gently before anything else. Learn more about trigger point therapy.
Gentle, hands-on care
He combines light-touch CST on the sacrum and spine with gentle myofascial release for the surrounding tissue. The goal is to ease tension so the area can move and settle more comfortably. There is no cracking or twisting.
Honest expectations
Research on CST for this condition is limited. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
Simple Things That Help Between Visits
- Use a wedge or cutout cushion that takes pressure off the base of the spine
- Lean slightly forward when you sit
- Get up and move often during long workdays
- Carry a small cushion for hard seats, like benches, bleachers, and subway seats
What to Expect at Your Visit
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1HistoryDr. Kaminsky asks how the pain started, what makes it worse, and whether you've had any imaging. Bring reports if you have them. Here's more on what happens at a first visit.
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2Gentle hands-on careYou stay fully clothed. Light-touch care focuses on the low back, hips, sacrum, and surrounding muscles.
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3A planDr. Kaminsky will talk with you about how you felt and suggest how often to come in.
Why People Choose Dr. Kaminsky
- Gentle on a sore area: Care is slow and light, with no cracking.
- Two kinds of training: He is a chiropractor and a Certified Craniosacral Therapist (CST-T, Upledger).
- After-work hours: Appointments run until 9 pm Monday through Thursday at 36 East 36th Street in Murray Hill.
See related care for chronic back pain, or read about Dr. Kaminsky's training and background.
Cost and Payment
The office does not take insurance. You'll get an itemized superbill for possible out-of-network refunds. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. See current rates on our cost page.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can tailbone pain go away on its own?
Often, yes. Many cases improve within weeks to months, especially with simple changes like a better cushion. If the pain lingers or keeps you from sitting comfortably, gentle hands-on care is one option to consider.
Do you work directly on the coccyx?
Dr. Kaminsky works gently on the sacrum, low back, hips, and surrounding muscles, with you fully clothed.
Can childbirth cause tailbone pain?
Yes. A difficult delivery is a common cause, and the pain may start right away or show up weeks later.
Is a donut cushion the best choice?
Donut cushions work for some people. A wedge, or a cushion with a cutout at the back, is designed to take pressure off the bottom of the spine. It's worth trying a few to see what feels best.
Do you have evening appointments?
Yes. Appointments run until 9 pm Monday through Thursday and until 6 pm on Friday. All visits are by appointment.
Schedule a visit
Call to Schedule
If sitting has become painful, call or text 212-328-1180 to talk with Dr. Kaminsky. Visits are by appointment at 36 East 36th Street in Murray Hill.