What is a tailbone injury?
Your tailbone (coccyx) is actually made up of several bones
that are located at the end of your lower back. Tailbones
can be bruised or broken.
How does it occur?
A tailbone injury usually occurs from a direct fall onto the
coccyx.
What are the symptoms?
Your tailbone is very tender. You have pain when you are
sitting. You may also have pain when you walk and when you
have a bowel movement.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will review your symptoms and
examine your back and tailbone. He or she may order an
x-ray to see if your tailbone is broken.
How is it treated?
An injured tailbone needs time to heal. A bruised tailbone
may take several days to several weeks to completely heal.
A fractured tailbone takes 4 to 6 weeks to heal. In either
case, people sometimes have pain for a long time.
While your tailbone injury is healing it is very important
to use a doughnut cushion when you are sitting. A doughnut
cushion may be purchased at a medical supply house or you
may use a child's swimming inner tube.
You should place an ice pack on your tailbone for 20 to 30
minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days or until the pain
goes away. Your health care provider may prescribe an
anti-inflammatory or pain medicines.
It is important to avoid constipation while your tailbone is
healing. Drink plenty of fluids and increase the amount of
fiber in your diet.
When can I return to my normal activities?
You can return to your normal activities when your pain has
improved and you are able to sit, bend, and walk without
significant pain.
How can I prevent tailbone injuries?
Most tailbone injuries are caused by accidents that cannot
be prevented. In some contact sports such as football or
hockey, it is important to wear protective equipment.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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