But sometimes the bone itself may break fracture. A tailbone fracture can be very painful and may take some time to heal. Women are more likely to injure their tailbones than men.
That's because the bone is more exposed in women. In some cases, tailbones can fracture during childbirth. Tailbone injuries are likely to cause pain, swelling, and bruising. Sitting or having a bowel movement may be especially painful. Still, most tailbone fractures are not medical emergencies. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if you have new or worse symptoms in your legs or buttocks.
Symptoms may include Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:. Author: Healthwise Staff. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. When should you call for help? Where can you learn more? Top of the page. Your Care Instructions Injuries to the tailbone coccyx can occur when you slip or fall and hit your 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. If the X-ray does not provide a clear image, or if there are other concerns about what is causing the pain, an MRI scan can provide more information.
Partly due to the structure of the coccyx and other conditions that might exist at the same time as the injury — such as obesity , gas, or constipation — it is not always easy to diagnose a broken tailbone. Unlike other broken bones, it is not possible to put the tailbone in a cast and immobilize it. Instead, a doctor might recommend using techniques to reduce the pain. Doctors may recommend steroids or nerve blocks if the pain is very severe. 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. Rest is very important when a bone is broken, and people need to give themselves time to heal when they have a fractured coccyx. However, it is also important to strengthen the muscles around the tailbone, stretching them regularly to keep tightness and imbalances from developing.
A doctor may provide a list of exercises to strengthen the hips and core, as well as pelvic floor exercises and stretches to relieve pressure on the gluteal muscles, back, and hamstrings. They may also refer a person to a physical therapist for more extensive treatment. A broken tailbone is a rare and painful injury that can affect people of all ages, from young athletes to older adults.
Treatment generally consists of reducing pain and preventing further injury to the tailbone. Recovery can take up to 12 weeks, and people should rest during this time to encourage healing. Some light exercises can help strengthen the muscles in the area. Pain in the coccyx, or tailbone, can appear for a number of reasons, including injury and childbirth.
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