The medical term for the tailbone is “coccyx.” By any name, however, an injury at the bottom of the spine is extremely painful. The tailbone is actually a group of small bones that attach to the large muscles in the buttocks, as well as several smaller muscles and ligaments. It includes three to five vertebrae, depending on the individual.
If the coccyx is bruised, dislocated, or fractured (broken), the result can be severe pain that can take months to heal.
Are Tailbone Fractures Common?
Tailbone fractures are fairly uncommon injuries. Only around 120 out of every 10,000 people experience this type of injury. Women aged 50–54 and boys aged 10–14 are the two groups at the highest risk of sustaining a tailbone injury.
Though infrequently seen, tailbone fractures aren’t difficult to diagnose. A doctor will perform a physical examination and take X-rays to determine the type and severity of the damage. A rectal exam which involves grasping the coccyx may also be necessary.
Bruised vs. Fractured Tailbone
A bruised tailbone can present similar symptoms to a broken one. Pain levels aren’t necessarily a reliable indication of the injury. Some people may experience mild to moderate pain with a fracture, while others may have severe pain with a bruise. Imaging tests and other evaluations are the only ways to determine whether the tailbone has been fractured or bruised.
The main difference between these two injuries is the recovery time. A fractured tailbone may take eight to 12 weeks or longer to heal, while a bruised tailbone typically heals in about three weeks.
The Symptoms of a Fractured Tailbone
The symptoms of a damaged coccyx are often immediate, especially if the injury was caused by trauma, such as an auto accident or a bad fall. They can include:
- Swelling and bruising at the base of the spine
- Pain at the top of the buttocks
- General discomfort, particularly while sitting
- Numbness
- Lower back pain that radiates to the legs
- A frequent urge to defecate (due to nerve interference)
Pain in certain positions or during certain actions can also indicate a broken tailbone. For example:
- Prolonged sitting
- Prolonged standing
- Standing up from a seated position
- Leaning backward while seated
- Using the bathroom
- Engaging in sexual intercourse
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after a high-impact event, such as an auto accident, talk to your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Potential Causes of a Fractured Tailbone
A broken tailbone is most often the result of a traumatic injury, such as a slip and fall on a hard surface. People also injure their tailbones in biking accidents and motor vehicle collisions. Other factors, such as childbirth or nutritional deficiencies, may increase your risk of injuring your tailbone.
Broken Coccyx Treatment
Surgery isn’t usually needed to address a broken tailbone. The exact treatment plan depends on the individual and the nature of the injury. Physical therapy, massage, and electrical nerve stimulation are common recommendations. If severe pain is an issue, your doctor might prescribe steroid injections, a nerve block, or spinal cord stimulation.
Finding a comfortable position for sleeping may be difficult. Switching to a firm mattress and using pillows to support your body are common suggestions, though your doctor or physical therapist can offer more personalized advice.
It’s important to keep in mind that recovery can take time. People who have injured their tailbones may be unable to work or perform day-to-day tasks for several weeks.
Have You Been Diagnosed With a Broken Tailbone?
If you’ve been injured due to someone else's negligence, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Whether it’s due to a sports injury, an accident, or an assault, recovering from a broken tailbone can be a long and painful process. When you meet with a personal injury attorney, they can help you understand how to protect your rights and take legal action.
Contact the Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm of Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers LLC Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Dallas personal injury law firm of Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Our office is conveniently located in Dallas, near the Dallas Downtown Historic District. We serve statewide throughout Texas.
Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers LLC
701 Commerce Street, Suite 703
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 615-6394