Most commonly in humans it comprises 3 to 5 fused (or, more rarely, separate) vertebrae, and is approximately 4 to 10 cm in length.

Causes of coccyx fracture can vary greatly, but are most commonly confined to falls into the seated position, or childbirth.

[1] X-ray has no quantifiable clinical impact,[2] and is regarded as a waste of resources and unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation.

Doctors will not usually attempt to correct a bad alignment, as muscles in the area are powerful and can pull the bone back into the 'bad' position.

However, if the pain continues even after the fracture has healed, and is severe enough to cause serious disability, surgical removal of the coccyx (coccygectomy) may be required.