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 long does it take tailbone fractures to heal?
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 can I Fix my tailbone at home?
Tailbone pain exercises
- Single leg knee hug. This stretches the piriformis and the iliopsoas muscles, both of which can become tight and limit mobility in the pelvis.
- Piriformis and glute cross leg stretch (thread the needle) This stretches the piriformis as well as the glutes. ...
- Kneeling psoas stretch. ...
- Kneel and twist. ...
How to know if your tailbone is bruised or fractured?
- Pain when you sit down, you may also experience numbness when sitting down.
- Pain or tenderness in lower back.
- Noticeable bruising or swelling at the base of the spine.
- Pain near the top of your buttocks area.
- Pain when rolling over in bed.
- In more severe cases you may also experience painful or numb sensations shooting down the backs of your legs.
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 long does it take to heal a fracture tailbone?
A tailbone injury can be very painful and slow 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.
How do you tell if you fractured a tailbone?
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.
Is tailbone fracture serious?
Still, most tailbone fractures are not medical emergencies. Go to your healthcare provider for treatment. Seek emergency care if you have extreme pain, tingling, or weakness in one or both legs.
Can a fractured tailbone heal on its own?
A broken or bruised coccyx will usually heal on its own. Physical therapy, exercises, and a special cushion can all help ease the pain and speed recovery. See your doctor if pain is severe, or if you have trouble with bowel movements or urination. Surgery is needed in fewer than 10 percent of cases.
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.
Is walking good for tailbone injury?
The coccyx, a small triangular bone at the bottom of the spinal column, can get bruised and even fractured. Sitting increases pain while walking relieves it.
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.
Can a broken tailbone affect bowel movements?
If the coccyx is abruptly angled too far forward, it can actually indent into the rectum. This can cause a perpetual feeling of bowel fullness. Also, during a bowel movement the movement of the stool within the rectum can press against the coccyx, causing worsening of the tailbone pain.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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 tell if a tailbone is broken?
Pain is the main symptom, but additional symptoms from a broken tailbone include bruising over the area, tenderness, pain with bowel movement, and women may have pain with sex. The focus of treatment for a fractured coccyx include pain relief and time to allow healing. It's important to avoid sitting for prolonged periods since this increases ...
How to heal a fractured coccyx?
This is a very painful injury so focusing on pain management is key. Using over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Melissa can apply ice to the area to help with pain as well.
How to help a broken coccyx?
Using a donut cushion can help relieve pressure on an injured coccyx and make sitting easier. Usually these simple steps should heal Melissa's broken tailbone in time. Some people may not be able to manage their pain with these interventions and the doctor may need to prescribe stronger pain medications.
What does it feel like to break your coccyx?
The main symptom associated with a broken coccyx is pain in the area, just as we saw with Melissa. Pain in the tailbone area can be severe and it can be tender to the touch. If the injury was traumatic, bruising can occur over the area.
How to relieve pressure from a swollen thigh?
Using a soft chair or a donut cushion can help to relieve the pressure, as can re-positioning frequently. Using pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help, as well as applying ice to the area. You will want to avoid constipation, as this can cause increased pain. Try to eat a diet high in fiber!
How to stop coccyx pain?
If you do have to sit, try to have a comfortable chair and shift your weight frequently to relieve the pressure on the coccyx. Use of a donut cushion can help as it relieves any pressure put directly onto the coccyx.
What is the coccyx bone?
She had no idea what that was. Coccyx. He explained that the coccyx is a small, triangular shaped bone at the base of the spine. It is made up of four small bones that are mostly fused together. He said that might know it better as the 'tailbone'. The doctor explains that a fracture and a broken bone are the same thing.
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.
