Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
The tailbone, known medically as the coccyx, is a small, triangular bone at the very bottom of your spine. Despite its size, it is crucial in supporting various essential body functions. When your tailbone gets injured or broken, it can lead to significant discomfort and affect your daily life. It is necessary to recognize the symptoms of a broken tailbone so you can seek proper medical attention and prevent further complications.
What Is the Tailbone?
The tailbone comprises three to five small bones fused together at the base of the spine. It is an attachment site for various muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These connective tissues support the pelvis and help in bodily processes like sitting and standing.
How Do You Break Your Tailbone?
Tailbone injuries can occur from falling while sitting down, childbirth, or high-contact sports like football or rugby. A sudden, forceful impact on the coccyx can cause bruising or, in more severe cases, a fracture.
Identifying a broken tailbone can be tricky because the symptoms may overlap with other injuries or conditions affecting the lower back.
Pain and Tenderness
The most obvious symptom of a broken tailbone is pain and tenderness in the lower back area. This pain can increase significantly when sitting down, standing up, or using the bathroom. This discomfort often feels like a deep ache or sharp sensation that may radiate to the hips or thighs.
Swelling and Bruising
It’s also common to see swelling and bruising around the tailbone area. The soft tissue damage from the injury can cause this inflammation, making the area sensitive to touch. Swelling may be noticeable right away or can develop gradually within a few hours after the injury.
Numbness or Tingling
You may sometimes experience numbness or tingling in the coccyx region. This occurs because swelling and tissue damage could compress or irritate the nerves around the tailbone.
Difficulty Sitting or Standing
Because the tailbone plays a significant role when you sit, a broken tailbone can make sitting for long periods uncomfortable or painful. You may constantly shift or lean to one side to alleviate pressure. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, standing up from a sitting position can also be challenging, causing noticeable discomfort.
Visible Deformities
Although rare, severe tailbone fractures might result in visible deformities, such as a noticeable bump or misalignment in the lower back. This might occur if the bones have been displaced significantly due to the fracture.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect a broken tailbone, seeking medical advice for a proper diagnosis is essential. Your healthcare provider will usually ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. X-rays or MRI scans might sometimes be conducted to confirm the fracture and rule out other issues.
Treatment for a broken tailbone typically involves managing the pain and waiting for the bone to heal naturally. Here are some common treatment recommendations:
Pain Relief
Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. If over-the-counter options are inadequate, your doctor might recommend stronger pain relievers.
Cushions or Pillows
Using specially designed “donut” cushions or pillows can alleviate pressure on the coccyx while sitting. These cushions have a middle hole preventing direct contact with the tailbone.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, like prolonged sitting or certain sports, can aid in quicker recovery. Proper posture can also help minimize discomfort.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the muscles around the lower back, improve mobility, and reduce stress on the tailbone.
Surgery
In rare cases where conventional treatments do not alleviate the pain, surgical interventions may be considered. Coccygectomy, the surgical removal of all or parts of the tailbone, is an option. Still, it is generally a last resort.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help With Your Broken Tailbone Claim
A broken tailbone can be disruptive and painful, limiting your ability to perform everyday activities. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing pain and ensuring a full recovery. If you’re experiencing symptoms consistent with a broken tailbone, seek advice from a healthcare professional to discuss an appropriate treatment plan.
Experienced personal injury lawyers understand the impact personal injuries can have on your life and well-being. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your health and peace of mind are our top priorities.
Contact our Personal Injury Attorneys at Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers in Denver. Call us at (720) 613 9706
For more information, please contact the personal injury lawyers at Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
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Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
