If you’ve ever felt a dull ache at the base of your spine after long hours at your desk, you’re not alone. Tailbone pain—known medically as coccydynia—is common among people who sit for much of the day. The good news is that a few small changes to your workspace can make a big difference. This guide explains why tailbone pain happens, how to ease it, and what to look for in a supportive office chair.
Disclaimer: This article offers general ergonomic information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If pain is severe or persistent, consult a healthcare professional.
What Is Tailbone Pain?
Tailbone pain, known medically as coccydynia, is discomfort around the coccyx — the small, triangular bone at the very end of your spine. The coccyx is made up of three to five tiny fused bones that act as an anchor for muscles, ligaments, and part of the pelvic floor. When you sit down, the coccyx tilts slightly and bears some of your body weight. If that pressure becomes uneven or excessive, the surrounding tissues can become inflamed and sore.
Common causes
The most typical triggers include:
- Prolonged sitting on hard or poorly designed chairs, especially with a slouched posture.
- Direct injury, such as a fall onto the buttocks or a minor fracture.
- Childbirth, which can stretch or bruise the coccyx and its ligaments.
- Joint wear or stiffness, which sometimes develops with age.
In many people, the pain starts as a dull ache but can turn sharp when leaning back, standing up, or sitting for too long. Women are affected more often than men, partly because of pelvic structure and childbirth factors.
Why Sitting Makes It Worse
When you sit, your body weight presses downward through your pelvis. If the seat is too firm, too deep, or slanted backwards, that pressure can concentrate on the tailbone instead of being spread across the thighs and hips.
Research from ergonomic experts at Cornell University shows that a well-designed seat pan—one with a gentle “waterfall” front edge and the right seat depth—reduces this pressure and keeps circulation flowing through the legs. Frequent posture changes also help; even a brief stand or stretch every 30–40 minutes can ease discomfort.
Quick Fixes You Can Try Today
Start by adjusting what you already have. Raise or lower your chair so your feet rest flat on the floor (or a footrest) and your knees are roughly level with your hips. Keep your keyboard and mouse close enough that you don’t have to lean forward.
If the chair’s seat feels hard, a U-shaped coccyx cushion can relieve pressure immediately by leaving space under the tailbone. Alternating between sitting and standing—say, by using a sit-stand desk—also helps blood flow and comfort.
What to Look for in a Tailbone-Friendly Office Chair
A supportive chair doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few features make a real difference. Look for:
- A flexible backrest that supports your spine as you move.
- Adjustable lumbar support that fits the curve of your lower back.
- A seat with a rounded front edge so it doesn’t dig into your thighs.
- The right seat depth—you should be able to slide two or three fingers between the seat edge and the back of your knees.
- Armrests that adjust up and down, so your shoulders can stay relaxed.
- And most importantly, the ability to recline slightly and change position easily throughout the day.
Cushion or New Chair?
If you only sit for short periods or your chair is otherwise supportive, a coccyx cushion may be enough. The NHS lists these cushions as a simple way to ease tailbone pain at home. However, if your discomfort keeps returning, or your current chair lacks key adjustments, investing in a properly designed ergonomic chair can make a lasting difference.
Choosing the Right Chair: Two Excellent Options for Tailbone Relief
When tailbone pain keeps interrupting your focus, a well-made ergonomic chair can make hours at your desk feel lighter.Both the Sihoo Doro C300 and Sihoo Doro S300 are thoughtfully engineered to spread sitting pressure, follow your spine’s movement, and support natural posture. They share the same solid build quality, breathable mesh, and 136 kg weight limit, yet they fit slightly different needs.
Sihoo Doro C300 – Smart Support at a Sensible Price
If you want comfort without over-complication, the Doro C300 is a strong choice.Its self-adapting lumbar support moves as you do, maintaining contact with the lower back even when you lean forward. The waterfall-edge seat prevents the seat pan from cutting behind the knees, while the elastic mesh keeps you cool during long sessions.
The chair reclines easily to 110°, 120°, or 130°, letting you shift weight and rest your spine. Height and tilt are intuitive to adjust, and the 4D armrests slide, pivot, and lift to suit different body shapes.
Best for: everyday office workers and home users between roughly 160 and 185 cm tall who want reliable comfort and value.Be aware: the seat depth is fixed at 42.5 cm, so if you have particularly long thighs you might prefer the S300.
Doro C300 Ergonomic Office Chair
Self-adaptive lumbar support with smart weight-sensing tilt and breathable mesh—perfect for all-day gaming comfort without manual adjustments.
Sihoo Doro S300 – Premium Fit for Long Workdays
The Doro S300 upgrades the sitting experience with an anti-gravity recline system that uses balanced resistance rather than springs. This means you can lean back smoothly while the seat and back move together to maintain support.It also features a dual dynamic lumbar system, an adjustable seat depth (40–47 cm), and 6D armrests that fine-tune height, width, angle, and forward reach.
Its integrated headrest is wider and softly curved to support the neck when reclining. For people who sit most of the day or need to adjust seat depth precisely, this model offers excellent adaptability.
Best for: those spending eight or more hours a day at their desk, anyone over 180 cm tall, or users who want a smoother recline and extra seat-depth control.
Sihoo Doro S300 Ergonomic Office Chair
Aerospace-grade Anti-Gravity suspension creates weightless recline, while 6D armrests and Italian velvet mesh deliver luxury ergonomics.
At a Glance Comparison
|
Feature |
Doro C300 |
Doro S300 |
|
Seat height |
47–55 cm |
47–55.5 cm |
|
Seat depth |
42.5 cm (fixed) |
40–47 cm (adjustable) |
|
Lumbar support |
Self-adapting |
Dual dynamic |
|
Recline range |
110° / 120° / 130° |
100° / 110° / 130° |
|
Armrests |
4D adjustable |
6D adjustable |
|
Headrest |
3D mechanical |
Wide integrated |
|
Max load |
136 kg |
136 kg |
|
Ideal for |
Everyday value |
Extended use & precise fit |
Both come with a 3-year UK warranty and 30-day return policy through the official Sihoo UK store.
Setting Up Your Workspace for Less Pressure
A good chair works best in a well-arranged workspace. Position your monitor so the top of the screen sits near eye level. Keep your keyboard and mouse close enough that your elbows stay bent around 90 degrees, with your shoulders relaxed.
If your feet don’t rest flat, use a footrest; this keeps your thighs level and stops you from sliding forward. The UK Health and Safety Executive notes that even the best ergonomic chair cannot help if the workstation itself is set up poorly—so check chair height, desk height, and screen distance together.
And remember: movement matters most. Standing up for a stretch or quick walk every half hour does more for your tailbone than any single piece of furniture.
FAQs
Is a softer chair better?
Not necessarily. Too-soft seats let your pelvis sink and tilt backwards, which can increase coccyx pressure. You need a balance of cushioning and support.
Does mesh really make a difference?
Yes, for many people. Mesh helps distribute weight evenly and improves airflow, keeping you cool during long work hours.
Do I need seat-depth adjustment?
If you often feel the seat digging behind your knees or you can’t rest your back fully against the backrest, adjustable depth will help. Aim for a gap of 4–6 cm (two to three finger widths) between seat edge and knees.
When should I see a professional?
Seek medical advice if pain follows a fall, radiates down the legs, or doesn’t improve after a few weeks of home adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Tailbone pain can make even short work sessions unpleasant, but the right chair—and a few mindful habits—can ease the strain.
The Doro C300 delivers straightforward, everyday comfort for most users, while the Doro S300 provides premium adjustability for those who sit longer or need a finer fit.
Whichever you choose, combine it with healthy sitting habits: keep moving, check your posture, and treat comfort as part of your productivity.
