Why Does My Tailbone Hurt When Sitting?

After switching to working from home, one Reddit user noticed something they had never experienced before.

They were spending far more time sitting than they ever had in the office. By the end of the workday, the pain around their tailbone had become so uncomfortable that they no longer wanted to sit down to play games in the evening. They even found themselves sitting on one leg just to relieve the pressure—only to end up with sore knees instead.

Their question was simple:

"Do I need a better chair, or is something else causing this?"

If you've been asking yourself the same thing, you're not alone.

For many desk workers, tailbone pain isn't caused by sitting itself—it's caused by how and how long you sit.

Why Does Your Tailbone Hurt When Sitting?

In many cases, tailbone pain while sitting happens because too much pressure is placed on the coccyx (tailbone) for long periods of time.

A poor chair doesn't usually cause a medical condition by itself, but it can contribute to discomfort by concentrating pressure on one small area instead of distributing your weight evenly.

Other conditions, such as an injury or inflammation of the tailbone, can also cause pain. If your symptoms are severe, follow a fall, or don't improve over time, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, tailbone pain—also known as coccydynia—can become more noticeable when sitting because the coccyx helps support your weight in a seated position.

Three Reasons Your Chair May Be Making It Worse

1. Too Much Pressure on the Tailbone

If your chair has a thin, firm, or worn-out seat cushion, much of your body weight may be concentrated directly on your tailbone.

Over several hours, this constant pressure can lead to soreness and discomfort—especially if you rarely change positions.

A supportive seat cushion should help distribute pressure across your hips and thighs instead of focusing it on one small point.

2. Your Sitting Position Isn't Supporting Your Spine

Many people gradually slide forward in their chair or lean backward after sitting for a long time.

These positions reduce support from the backrest and often shift more weight onto the tailbone.

Small adjustments—such as sitting with your hips fully against the backrest and keeping your feet supported—can reduce unnecessary pressure.

OSHA's Computer Workstations eTool also recommends adjusting your chair so your feet remain supported, your back stays in contact with the backrest, and your workstation fits your body rather than forcing your body to adapt.

3. You're Sitting for Too Long

Even the best ergonomic chair can't eliminate the effects of sitting all day.

Long, uninterrupted periods of sitting reduce movement, increase pressure on the lower body, and can leave the muscles around your hips and lower back feeling stiff.

If possible, stand up, stretch, or take a short walk every 30 to 60 minutes. These brief movement breaks can make a noticeable difference over the course of the day.

Can a Better Office Chair Help?

Yes—but not simply because it's more expensive.

Many people assume they need the most expensive office chair available. In reality, what matters most is whether the chair supports your body.

Look for features such as:

• A thick, pressure-relieving seat cushion

• Adjustable seat height

• Adjustable seat depth

• Ergonomic lumbar support

These adjustments help distribute pressure more evenly, reducing unnecessary stress on the tailbone during long hours of sitting.

Should You Use a Tailbone Cushion?

Tailbone cushions with a rear cut-out can help relieve pressure and may provide temporary comfort, especially if you're recovering from an injury or experiencing occasional soreness.

However, if you're sitting for eight or more hours every day, a cushion alone may not solve the underlying problem.

If your chair doesn't properly support your posture or fit your body, addressing those issues is often a more effective long-term solution than simply adding another cushion.

The Bottom Line

So, why does your tailbone hurt when sitting?

For many people, the answer isn't sitting itself—it's prolonged pressure, poor support, and staying in the same position for too long.

A chair with better pressure distribution, proper ergonomic adjustments, and a supportive seat can help reduce unnecessary strain during long workdays. Combined with regular movement breaks and good sitting posture, these changes often make a meaningful difference in day-to-day comfort.

If your pain is severe, follows an injury, or doesn't improve despite changing your workstation, it's important to seek medical advice to identify the underlying cause.

Mayo Clinic notes that while many cases of tailbone pain improve with self-care, persistent pain or pain following an injury should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Looking for Better Support During Long Hours of Sitting?

If you spend most of your day at a desk, choosing a chair that supports your entire body—not just your back—can make long work sessions more comfortable.

The CabeVibe S2 Ergonomic Office Chair features an 8 cm pressure-relieving seat cushion, adjustable seat depth, ergonomic lumbar support, and a lower seat height range to help distribute pressure more evenly while promoting a healthier sitting posture. While no office chair can treat a medical condition, the right ergonomic adjustments can help reduce unnecessary pressure caused by prolonged sitting.