Broken tailbone treatment
- Physical therapy. A physical therapist can help you to learn exercises that stretch the ligaments and strengthen the muscles supporting the lower spine.
- Coccygeal cushions. These are specially designed cushions that support the buttocks, but have a cut-out section to relieve pressure on the coccyx.
- Medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended for the pain associated with a bruised or broken coccyx.
- Broken tailbone surgery. Surgery isn’t often used, but may be necessary for people who don’t respond to therapy. ...
How should a broken tailbone be treated?
These steps may be recommended for the first few days or weeks after your injury:
- Rest and stop any physical activity that causes pain. The more you rest, the quicker the injury can heal.
- Ice your tailbone for about 20 minutes every hour while awake for the first 48 hours, then 2 to 3 times a day. ...
- Use a cushion or gel donut when sitting. The hole in the center will take pressure off your tailbone. ...
- Avoid sitting a lot. ...
How long does a tailbone injury take to heal?
Healing time for an injured tailbone depends on the severity of the injury. If you have a fracture, healing can take between 8 to 12 weeks. If your tailbone injury is a bruise, healing takes about 4 weeks. In rare cases, symptoms do not improve. Injection of a steroid medicine may be tried.
What to do for a broken tailbone?
Non-surgical recommendations typically include:
- Injections directly into the affected area to minimize discomfort as the fracture heals
- Stool softeners to minimize hard bowel movements that put too much pressure on a fractured tailbone
- Applying heat or ice to the affected area to reduce swelling and increase circulation to promote healing
- Anti-inflammatory and pain medications
How do you treat a bruised or broken tailbone?
Whether you have a bruised or fractured tailbone, the following treatments may help you feel better:
- Pain-relieving medications. Your doctor may prescribe a short course of painkillers. ...
- Doughnut pillows. These seat cushions have a hole in the middle, which takes the pressure off your coccyx. ...
- Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that stretch the ligaments and strengthen muscles that support the back.
- Steroid injections. ...
How do you know if your tailbone is fractured or broken?
The symptoms of a broken tailbone include:an almost constant dull pain in the very low back, just above the buttocks.pain that worsens when sitting and when standing up from a sitting position.swelling around the tailbone.pain that intensifies during a bowel movement.pain that intensifies during sexual intercourse.More items...•
Should you go to the doctor for a broken tailbone?
If you have the signs and symptoms of a coccyx injury or unexplained discomfort in the tailbone area, contact your doctor. It may be necessary for the doctor to decide if the injury is traumatic or if the pain is caused by other, more serious, problems.
What happens if a broken tailbone goes untreated?
Delayed Union. When a bone fracture is untreated, it can result in either a nonunion or a delayed union. In the former case, the bone doesn't heal at all, which means that it will remain broken. As a result, swelling, tenderness, and pain will continue to worsen over time.
How do I know if my tailbone pain is serious?
See your doctor if the pain is severe or lasts more than a few days. Most of the time, tailbone pain isn't serious. It can sometimes be a sign of an injury. In very rare cases, tailbone pain can be a sign of cancer.
When should I worry about a tailbone injury?
If your pain lasts for more than two months or if it gets worse despite self-care, make an appointment to see your health care provider about your concern. Your tailbone, or coccyx, is the bony structure at the bottom of your spine that helps support your pelvic floor.
What is the difference between a bruised tailbone and a broken tailbone?
In general, a bruised tailbone will heal in roughly 2-4 weeks, while a fractured tailbone will take anywhere from 8-12 weeks of conservative treatment to fully heal. If you're still dealing with symptoms after three months of conservative care, other approaches may be necessary.
How should I sleep with tailbone pain?
Physical therapists recommend you lie on your side when you sleep and sit on a coccyx cushion. Both will help relieve some of the pain by taking pressure off of your coccyx.
How long does a broken coccyx take to heal?
A broken tailbone will generally heal within 6-12 weeks. However, if the injury is severe, or the patient does not modify their lifestyle to preven...
How do you know if you have broken your coccyx bone?
It is hard to distinguish between a bruised and broken tailbone, which is why it is important to seek medical attention. A doctor will generally us...
Is a broken coccyx serious?
A broken coccyx may cause severe pain that can impact a person's lifestyle. In most cases, the injury will heal within 6-12 weeks. However, it is s...
Will a broken tailbone heal on its own?
A broken tailbone will generally heal within 6-12 weeks as long as self-care methods are used to prevent further aggravation or reinjury of the tai...
Should you go to the doctor for a broken tailbone?
Yes, it is important to visit a doctor for a broken tailbone in order to correctly diagnose the condition and determine its severity. A doctor will...
What to do if your tailbone is broken?
If a tailbone is fractured, initial treatment usually involves conservative remedies. The most important thing is to limit direct pressure on the tailbone as the fracture heals. Donut pillows can help with such efforts, as can wedge-shaped and U or V-shaped pillows. Also, avoid sitting on hard surfaces as much as possible.
How to stop tailbone pain?
If you must sit at work, make more of an effort to stand as much as possible, or take periodic breaks to ease stress on your tailbone. Watching your posture can also help.
How long does it take to fall on your back?
It only takes a second or two to fall and land on your lower back. Most of the time, the resulting sharp, intense pain in the affected area is a temporary inconvenience.
Is tailbone surgery necessary?
Surgery is rarely necessary for a fractured tailbone. However, it may be an option if you’re not seeing any improvements after several weeks of conservative care. Additional image tests are usually done prior to surgery to determine if a fracture has worsened or if the tailbone has shifted out of its normal position.
Can you fall off a tailbone?
Removal of part of the tailbone (coccygectomy) No human being can completely avoid falling. Still, you can be more cautious when walking on uneven or slippery surfaces. If you play sports, avoid direct impacts as much as possible to minimize hard falls.
Can a bruised tailbone be broken?
Most of the time, it’s more likely you have a bruise and not a break since the tailbone is fairly strong and isn’t easy to fracture. However, if the resulting discomfort, which may be worse when sitting or making certain movements around the lower back and hips, persists, a doctor can determine if the tailbone is bruised or broken with ...
What to do if tailbone is not responding?
In the rare event that your fractured tailbone is not responding after weeks of conservative care, your doctor may order imaging tests to determine if something else is going on or if surgery could help with the issue.
How long does it take for a bruised tailbone to heal?
If pain has decreased and you’re less bothered by the injury after 48-72 hours , it’s probably just a bruise.
Where is the tailbone located?
Your tailbone (coccyx) is located at the bottom of your spine, and injuries to this area commonly occur when you fall while in a seated position. In Minnesota where many of our roads and sidewalks are covered with ice for a few months of the year, it’s not uncommon for spine specialists to see an uptick in patients who are dealing ...
Does it matter if you break a tailbone?
Similarly, just like when you stub your toe, it really doesn’t matter if you bruise or break a bone, because treatment is oftentimes identical. Now, that’s not to say you should just assume fractured tailbones will heal fine on their own.
Can tailbones heal without surgery?
As we mentioned above, the treatment options for bruised and fractured tailbones are usually the same, but the good news is that the vast majority of these injuries heal without the need for surgery. Treatment focuses on staying off of the injury and icing the area to keep swelling at a minimum.
How long does it take for a broken tailbone to heal?
Recovery. Recovery from a broken tailbone can take some time. Most fractures take 6–12 weeks to heal. Many people who experience a broken tailbone are athletes, and they are usually eager to return to play. Some experts say that the limiting factors are pain and the risk of pressure on the tailbone.
Why is my tailbone broken?
Causes. The most likely cause of a broken tailbone is trauma or direct injury. In young people, a broken tailbone is most often due to a backward fall or a high energy accident. In some groups, including older adults, nutritional deficiencies can make broken bones more common.
What causes pain in the tailbone?
Problems with the piriformis muscles and nearby joints, for example — such as the sacroiliac and lumbosacral facet joints — can contribute to pain in and around the tailbone. Testing for a broken tailbone will include cancer screening and medical imaging. X-rays can help a doctor locate and assess the damage to the tailbone.
What happens when a tailbone is broken?
When the tailbone is broken, it may: be displaced, which occurs when the separated bone fragments are clear on an X-ray. be a hairline fracture, wherein the broken pieces are not separated. be comminuted, which occurs when the bone breaks into multiple pieces. This article discusses what can cause a broken tailbone and how to identify one, ...
Why is rest important for a coccyx fracture?
However, it is also important to strengthen the muscles around the tailbone, stretching them regularly to keep tightness and imbalances from developing .
What is the last bone in the spine?
Here’s our process. The tailbone, or coccyx, is the last bone in the spine. This triangle shaped bone is made up of three to five different sections, which can make it difficult to detect a broken tailbone. Tailbone breaks, or fractures, are fairly uncommon. It is more common for a person to bruise their tailbone or pull a ligament in that area.
How long should I soak my skin after a sprain?
Some sources recommend using cold packs on and off for the first 2 days after the injury — placing a cloth between the skin and the pack so that it does not feel uncomfortable — and using warm soaks after 2 days. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen: These can also provide pain relief.
What Is a Broken Coccyx (aka Broken Tailbone)?
What is a broken coccyx? A broken coccyx, sometimes known as a broken tailbone or a broken butt bone, refers to a fracture of the coccyx (or tailbone). The coccyx is a triangular, bony structure composed of three to five fused vertebrae at the end of the spinal column.
How to Tell if You Broke Your Tailbone?
One might wonder how to tell if you've broken your tailbone? It is difficult to correctly identify if you are suffering from this condition because its symptoms are almost indistinguishable from a bruised tailbone, another common coccyx injury.
What to Do for a Broken Tailbone?
There are a wide variety of treatments used for broken tailbones, which vary based on the severity of the break. This section will look at the different broken tailbone treatments and the recovery time for such injuries.
What is the best treatment for tailbone pain?
Possible treatments for chronic tailbone pain might include: Physical therapy.
How to treat a swollen tailbone?
Sit on a doughnut-shaped pillow or wedge (V-shaped) cushion. Apply heat or ice to the affected area. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin. If your tailbone pain doesn't improve (chronic coccydynia), consult your doctor.
Why does my tailbone hurt?
Tailbone pain — pain that occurs in or around the bony structure at the bottom of the spine (coccyx) — can be caused by trauma to the coccyx during a fall , prolonged sitting on a hard or narrow surface, degenerative joint changes, or vaginal childbirth.
How long does tailbone pain last?
Tailbone pain, also called coccydynia or coccygodynia, usually goes away on its own within a few weeks or months.
How to relax pelvic floor?
Physical therapy. A physical therapist might show you how to do pelvic floor relaxation techniques, such as breathing deeply and completely relaxing your pelvic floor — as you would while urinating or defecating. Manipulation. Massaging the muscles attached to the tailbone might help ease pain.
How to check tailbone?
A healthcare provider will examine your tailbone. This is done by pressing on the area and gently inserting a gloved finger into your rectum . X-rays may be taken to check the extent of the injury. You may be given medicine to ease discomfort.
What is the tailbone of the spine?
Tailbone (Coccyx) Fracture. Your tailbone (coccyx) is the bone at the very end of your spine. Most tailbone injuries are caused by a “seated” fall or direct blow.
Is a tailbone fracture a medical emergency?
Sitting or having a bowel movement may be especially painful. Still, most tailbone fractures are not medical emergencies. Go to your healthcare provider for treatment.
Can you hold a tailbone in place?
There is no way to hold a fractured tailbone in place. For that reason, treatment focuses on making you more comfortable while the injury heals. You may be told to ice your injury for a day or two to help relieve swelling and pain. During healing, a special pillow or cushion may be recommended to protect your tailbone while you sit. Surgery for a traumatic coccyx injury may be indicated if there is no response to the above treatments.
How to treat a tailbone injury?
Tailbone injuries are often extremely painful, so home remedies aim to control pain and avoid further irritation to the area. Avoid sitting down for long periods of time. When seated, avoid sitting on hard surfaces and alternate sitting on each side of the buttocks.
What causes a tailbone injury?
Tailbone Injury Causes. Most tailbone injuries are caused by trauma to the coccyx area. A fall onto the tailbone in the seated position, usually against a hard surface, is the most common cause of coccyx injuries. A direct blow to the tailbone, such as those that occur during contact sports, can injure the coccyx.
What is a coccyx injury?
A coccyx injury results in pain and discomfort in the tailbone area (the condition is called coccydynia). These injuries may result in a bruise, dislocation, or fracture (break) of the coccyx. Although they may be slow to heal, the majority of coccyx injuries can be managed with cautious treatment. The coccyx is the triangular bony structure ...
How long does it take for a traumatic coccyx to heal?
Your natural ability to recuperate and heal. The majority of cases of traumatic coccyx injury get better within several weeks of the injury with proper medical treatment. A few people suffer from chronic discomfort despite proper medical treatment.
What exam is done to determine if a dislocation is a fracture?
A neurologic exam may be performed. A rectal exam may also be performed. For this exam, the doctor inserts a finger into your rectum to feel the area of the coccyx and determine if there is a dislocation or a fracture that can be felt and if direct pressure against the coccyx reproduces your pain.
Where is the coccyx located?
The coccyx is the triangular bony structure located at the bottom of the vertebral column. It is composed of three to five bony segments held in place by joints and ligaments. The majority of coccyx injuries occur in women, because the female pelvis is broader and the coccyx is more exposed.
Can a bruise be seen in the tailbone?
The pain is generally worse when sitting for prolonged periods of time, or with direct pressure to the tailbone area. Bowel movements and straining are often painful. Some women may experience pain during sexual intercourse.
How to treat a bruised tailbone?
Whether you have a bruised or fractured tailbone, the following treatments may help you feel better: 1 Pain-relieving medications. Your doctor may prescribe a short course of painkillers. Over-the-counter medications may also be appropriate. Be sure to talk with your doctor about how often you should take a painkiller. Some antidepressant and antiepileptic medications may help some people ease their bruised tailbone pain. 2 Doughnut pillows. These seat cushions have a hole in the middle, which takes the pressure off your coccyx. A wedge or V-shaped pillow may also help. 3 Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that stretch the ligaments and strengthen muscles that support the back. 4 Steroid injections. Steroids injected near the site of the injury can help reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling. A local anesthetic injected into the area may also help relieve pain.
What to do if your tailbone is bruised?
Gentle massage may be appropriate if your tailbone is bruised, but may not be right for a fracture. Be sure to get clear guidance from your doctor on physical therapy, massage, or ultrasound — a type of therapy that involves the use of sound waves applied directly to the injured area.
How to get a bruised tailbone to feel better?
A bruised tailbone usually just needs time to feel better, but adjusting how you sit and using a doughnut pillow will make that recovery time a little easier. Try pain-relieving medications under your doctor’s supervision.
How to stop a tailbone from hurting when sitting?
Simply leaning forward while you’re sitting can help ease the pressure on your tailbone. Along those lines, getting up and walking around more frequently will help prevent pain from prolonged sitting. Wearing loose clothing that doesn’t bind or put pressure on your tailbone may help you prevent unnecessary discomfort.
How long does it take to heal a bruised tailbone?
The cause and severity of your tailbone pain will determine how long it will take for you to feel better. In general, recovery time is about 4 weeks for a bruised tailbone and about 8 to 12 weeks for a tailbone fracture.
What is the condition that makes a person more like to suffer a tailbone fracture?
Osteopenia, a bone-weakening condition more common in older adults, can make a person more like to suffer a tailbone fracture in a fall, car accident, or other event.
What is the bone at the bottom of the spine called?
At the very bottom of your vertebrae is a pointy bone called the coccyx, also known as your tailbone. When it’s bruised, just sitting down can shoot a sharp pain right up your spine. An injury can bruise your coccyx, or even fracture it if the harm to the bone is severe. If you experience tailbone pain from a bruise or fracture, ...
How to relieve pain from a tailbone injury?
Instead, choose a modified wedge-shaped cushion (called a coccygeal cushion) to ease pressure on the tailbone. 12 These are available over the counter. Apply Ice or Heat: Ice can be applied to the tailbone area for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day for up to three days after the injury to help reduce pain.
How to relieve pressure on tailbone?
Avoid Prolonged Sitting: While sitting, lean forward to take the pressure off your tailbone. Some people sit on a "doughnut," a circular cushion with a hole in the middle of it, to relieve tailbone pressure— this can actually isolate the tailbone, placing more pressure on it.
Why does my tailbone hurt?
The most common cause of tailbone pain is trauma. Since the coccyx is the insertion site for many muscles and ligaments, this may include direct, forceful trauma, or repetitive trauma to the bones of the coccyx or to the surrounding muscles or ligaments. 1
What causes coccydynia pain?
Besides a bony growth, some experts report scoliotic deformity as a potential cause of coccydynia. Nerve Pain: A bundle of nerves called the ganglion impar is located in front of the upper part of the coccyx. Overactivity or irritation of these nerves may cause chronic coccyx pain. 5.
How long does it take for a bruised tailbone to heal?
Most cases of tailbone pain can be treated with lifestyle modifications. Keep in mind, a bruised tailbone may take between several days and several weeks to completely heal, while a fractured tailbone can take four to six weeks. In general, you should be able to return to activities slowly as you heal. A full return to sports may depend on the ...
What causes tailbone pain?
Cancer: In rare instances, a malignant tumor that has metastasized to the tailbone (for example, cancer from the prostate, ovaries, cervix, or colon) may be the source of tailbone pain. 7 Also rarely, a chordoma, which is a primary bone tumor, may arise on the coccyx or within the coccygeal region. Infection: An infection located in ...
What causes swelling and pain in the coccyx?
Infection: An infection located in the tailbone area, such as a pilonidal cyst, can cause swelling and pain over the coccyx, along with redness, warmth, and pus (thick, whitish fluid). 8.
