Muscles/Pelvis

Pelvis

coccygeus

kok-SIJ-ee-us

The coccygeus is a small pelvic floor muscle supporting the coccyx (tailbone) at the back of the pelvis. It flexes the sacrococcygeal joint and stabilizes during lifts or impacts. Important for pelvic stability and preventing tailbone pain in squats.

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Common Pain & Injury

Tailbone ache worsened by sitting or falling, feeling deep in buttock. Persistent pain or bowel changes needs medical eval.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Ischial spine (pelvic bone point)

Insertion

Sacrum and coccyx (tailbone area)

Actions

Elevates coccyx (tailbone tuck)
Supports pelvic floor

Innervation

Nerve to coccygeus (S4-S5)

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Levator ani (opposing tension)

Synergists

PiriformisLevator ani

Trigger Points

Rarely documented; local tailbone pain if present.

Stretches

1Child's pose pelvic tuck

2Coccyx release stretch

3Seated tailbone stretch

Common Conditions

CoccydyniaPelvic floor dysfunctionSacrococcygeal strain

Anatomical Parts

Right coccygeusLeft coccygeusLeft coccygeus

FAQ

What does coccygeus do?

Supports tailbone and pelvic floor during movement.

Coccygeus pain?

Tailbone soreness from falls or prolonged sitting.

Coccygeus stretch?

Gentle pelvic tilts and child's pose.

Tailbone muscle?

Coccygeus stabilizes coccyx.

Related Pelvis Muscles

External anal sphincter

The external anal sphincter is a skeletal muscle ring around the anus that you can consciously control for bowel movements. It maintains continence during daily activities and is strengthened via Kegels for pelvic floor health. Important for athletes in high-impact sports to prevent incontinence.

The iliococcygeus forms the back part of the pelvic floor, spanning from pelvis to tailbone, supporting organs and pelvic stability. Important for core integrity in heavy lifts and preventing incontinence. Weakness shows in squats or postpartum.

Part of pelvic floor, the pubococcygeus supports bladder/bowel, aids continence and core stability. Crucial for intra-abdominal pressure in heavy lifts like squats.

Tendinous arch of levator ani

The tendinous arch of levator ani is a fibrous white line on the pelvic sidewall anchoring levator ani muscles for pelvic floor support. It transmits fascia for stability during lifts. Critical for core integrity in squats and deadlifts.

Pelvis Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

Activities & Sports

See which activities use coccygeus