Jason Stephens | October 30, 2024 | Personal Injury
The tailbone, or coccyx, is the smallest part of the spine. Most injuries to the tailbone are minor, and actual fractures are uncommon. However, a bruised coccyx can be almost as painful as a fracture.
If you have suffered a fall or you feel pain in your tailbone after a car crash in Fort Worth, you may have a bruised or broken tailbone. Here are the symptoms to watch for.
What Is the Coccyx?
The coccyx is the triangular bone at the base of the spine. It’s composed of three to five bones, fused or semi-fused, depending on the person. It’s located below the sacrum, the final section of the lumbar spine.
The tailbone is an important attachment point for many tendons, muscles, and ligaments. This tiny bone also supports a significant share of your weight while seated.
The structure of the tailbone differs by person. For example, most people have four fused bones in the coccyx, but some have five or three. The rotation or curvature of the tailbone while seated can also vary. Because women have broader pelvises, pelvic rotation is reduced while seated, which increases the share of body weight the coccyx supports.
These anatomical differences mean that some people have an increased risk of coccygeal injuries.
Most injuries to the coccyx are due to direct trauma, like a fall, repetitive strain, or stress during childbirth.
People at a higher risk of coccygeal fractures include:
- Women
- Older women due to osteoporosis, which weakens bones
- Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth
- People who are overweight
- People who participate in high-impact sports and activities that cause repetitive strain, like bicycling and rowing
Women are far more likely to experience a tailbone fracture. The annual incidence is 86 per 100,000 females and 33 per 100,000 males.
What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone?
An injury to the coccyx can cause a range of symptoms. The most common are:
- Tailbone pain (coccydynia): This is usually a dull and persistent ache.
- Sharp, intense pain during movement or activity: Tailbone pain tends to get worse when you change positions or while running or walking.
- Pain during bowel movements: Increased pressure on the coccyx can make bowel movements difficult and painful.
- Numbness or tingling: Some people experience numbness or a tingling sensation that radiates down the buttocks or legs.
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling or visible bruising
It can be hard to tell the difference between a bruised and fractured coccyx, as the symptoms are similar. A fractured or broken tailbone usually results in more severe pain, though. Rather than a dull pain that slowly subsides, you may experience sharp, persistent pain.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options For a Broken Tailbone
Only a physician can tell the difference between a bruised and broken coccyx. After discussing your symptoms, a doctor may perform a physical examination and order imaging tests. An X-ray may be enough to detect a fracture, but sometimes, an MRI or CT scan is necessary.
Whether your tailbone is bruised or fractured, treatment includes:
- Prolonged rest
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Ice packs to reduce pain and swelling
- Using a wedge or cushion to relieve pressure on the tailbone while sitting
- Stool softeners to prevent straining and make bowel movements less painful
Surgery is rarely needed, but it may be required for a severe fracture.
A bruised coccyx usually heals within a few weeks. The healing process for a broken tailbone may take eight to 12 weeks.
If you are experiencing tailbone pain after an accident, seek prompt medical attention. It’s important to have your injury diagnosed to connect it to your accident and get the care you need.
Contact a Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney To Discuss Potential Compensation for a Broken Tailbone
If your tailbone injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Contact our Fort Worth and Weatherford personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 406
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents – Weatherford Office
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000
