The coccyx, commonly known as the tailbone, is a small, curved bone at the very bottom of the spine, typically formed from three to five fused vertebrae. Despite its small size, it supports body weight and stabilizes a person while sitting. It also serves as an attachment point for various muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support the pelvic floor.
Key Signs and Symptoms
Pain directly at the base of the spine is the primary indicator of a potential tailbone injury, including a fracture. This pain can manifest as a constant dull ache or an intense, sharp, and stabbing sensation, varying from mild to debilitating.
Certain activities commonly worsen coccyx pain. Sitting, particularly for prolonged periods or on hard surfaces, frequently increases discomfort. Rising from a seated position, leaning backward, or even prolonged standing can also intensify the pain. Additionally, everyday bodily functions such as bowel movements and sexual intercourse may become painful due to the strain on surrounding muscles and ligaments.
Individuals might observe bruising, swelling, or tenderness directly over the coccyx area. While these symptoms strongly suggest a tailbone injury, only a medical professional can definitively confirm a fracture.
Common Causes
Tailbone injuries most frequently result from direct trauma to the area. Falls, especially those where a person lands directly on their buttocks onto a hard surface, are a common cause of both bruising and fractures. Injuries sustained during contact sports or from direct blows to the tailbone can also lead to such damage.
Childbirth represents another significant cause of coccyx injuries for women. The physical strain and trauma during vaginal delivery can result in a fractured or dislocated tailbone. Less common causes include repetitive strain from activities like prolonged sitting or cycling. In rare instances, underlying conditions like bone weakness (osteoporosis) or tumors can also contribute to tailbone pain, though traumatic injuries are far more typical.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many tailbone injuries can be managed with self-care, certain symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation. You should seek medical attention if the pain is severe, incapacitating, or does not show improvement after a few weeks of home remedies.
The presence of neurological symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet, requires immediate medical attention. Similarly, any difficulty with bowel or bladder control, like incontinence, can indicate nerve involvement and should be addressed promptly. Visible deformities or an open wound in the coccyx area also necessitate urgent care.
A healthcare provider will typically conduct a thorough physical examination, checking for tenderness, swelling, and bruising around the coccyx, and may also assess your range of motion. To confirm a diagnosis, a doctor might order imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from a tailbone injury, whether a bruise or a fracture, often requires patience and can span several weeks to months. A bruised tailbone may heal in about four weeks, while a fractured tailbone typically takes 8 to 12 weeks to recover. In some cases, pain can persist for an extended period.
Pain management forms a central part of the recovery process. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce both pain and inflammation. Applying ice or heat packs to the affected area can also provide relief. Using a specialized donut cushion or a wedge-shaped pillow can significantly reduce pressure on the coccyx while sitting.
Activity modification is important; avoiding prolonged sitting, high-impact activities, and any movements that aggravate pain is generally recommended. Physical therapy can play a beneficial role by strengthening surrounding muscles, improving posture, and increasing flexibility. For persistent pain, medical interventions like local anesthetic and steroid injections may be considered. In rare cases where other treatments fail, surgery to remove part or all of the coccyx might be an option.