Symptoms Of A Broken Tailbone
The tailbone is something you don’t give much thought to until something injures it. It’s a small, bony structure that sits at the very bottom of your spine, and when it’s broken, the pain can feel like it takes over your entire body. Since it’s not always obvious when your tailbone is fractured, it’s important to recognize the signs early.
Signs Of A Broken Tailbone
The symptoms of a tailbone fracture can vary from person to person, but some signs are more common than others.
Pain That’s Worse When Sitting
Perhaps the most common hint that your tailbone is broken is a pain that intensifies when you’re seated. The discomfort worsens if you lean back or put pressure on the area. You might find some relief when you’re on your feet, but you’ll start to dread sitting down.
Bruising And Swelling
After a traumatic event like a fall, it’s common for the tailbone area to swell and bruise. It’s a visual clue that can help you figure out if the bone has been injured. The skin around the area might look red, blue, or purple, and touching it can range from feeling tender to triggering excruciating pain.
Numbness Or Tingling
Sometimes, a broken tailbone can cause a tingling or numb sensation around the area. It could feel like the pins and needles sensation you get when your arm falls asleep and can persist even once the bone has technically healed. The condition is known as coccydynia and can linger for weeks, months, and even years after the initial injury.
Pain With Bowel Movements And Intimacy
A broken tailbone can make a simple thing like going to the bathroom into a painful ordeal. Because the tailbone is so close to the rectum, you might encounter pain or strain during bowel movements. The discomfort can lead to constipation or the fear of using the restroom altogether. Likewise, a fracture can cause a lot of pain during sexual activity.
Diagnosis And Recovery
Your doctor will typically start to look for a tailbone break with a physical exam, where they’ll check for swelling, tenderness, and bruising near the area.
They might need to use an X-ray or MRI to confirm a fracture and rule out other possible problems. However, not all tailbone injuries will show up on standard imaging, so your doctor might have to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms alone.
Managing the pain can involve a combination of treatments. You might be able to use over-the-counter painkillers, ice packs, and cushioned seating to reduce the discomfort. Severe pain could require prescription medications. Physical therapy can also help strengthen the surrounding muscles and decrease the pain.
Fortunately, most tailbone injuries heal with rest and home care (which can be tricky when your child is the one with the injury). Stool softeners can make it easier to go to the bathroom, and once the pain eases, gentle stretches can help prevent stiffness. Unlike some other bone fractures, surgery is rarely needed.
Most tailbone fractures heal within a few weeks or a couple of months. During that time, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and avoid doing anything that could put pressure on the injury. If the pain continues past the usual healing period, don’t hesitate to ask for additional help.
Don’t Let Tailbone Pain Control Your Life
A tailbone fracture can be surprisingly exhausting, both mentally and physically. The pain has a way of interfering with all aspects of your life, but knowing the signs can help you catch the problem early so you can start healing.
Contact The Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, contact us for more information, please contact the experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 556-8321
Hours Open: 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Dallas.
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 32.7950252,-96.8241861