Patient Comments Read 40 Comments Share Your Story. The coccyx, or tailbone, is the triangular bony structure located at the bottom of the vertebral column between the buttocks. It is composed of three to five bony segments held in place by joints and ligaments. Pain in the area of the tailbone, also termed coccydynia, can be caused by a variety of conditions and can lead to either acute or chronic discomfort in this area. Most cases of tailbone pain can be managed at home with conservative measures.