Tailbone pain, otherwise known as Coccydynia, is a frequent complaint for those who spend most of their day sitting. Caused by prolonged pressure being applied to the coccyx from hard surfaces such as chairs, it can become incapacitating. Most often triggered by falls or trauma to the area but prolonged sitting or poor posture are also contributing factors.
A chair designed specifically to treat tailbone pain will feature features designed to mechanically offload or reduce sitting pressure on this area, such as a sloping seat pan with cutouts that reduce direct pressure on the coccyx. Furthermore, having good backrest support with adequate lumbar cushioning helps maintain natural spinal curves and further alleviate pressure off this part of the body while further relieving tailbone pain.
An important addition is a seat cushion tailored specifically for this issue, with contoured foam padding in a special shape to take pressure off of the coccyx area and possibly even featuring gel-filled cushion to reduce discomfort further.
Sitting for extended periods has an adverse impact on all muscles, bones and joints involved. Even if you do not currently experience office chair tailbone pain, be mindful that even bad habits could worsen over time. Slouching or slinking in your chair as well as sitting on hard seats will all aggravate symptoms further; so to be on the safe side and try to be as ergonomic as possible when sitting.
