The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is a small triangular bone that sits at the base of the spine. Although it may not be large, when it breaks or gets bruised, it can cause a surprising amount of pain. People often don’t realize how many activities involve the tailbone until it’s been hurt.
A broken tailbone usually happens from a fall, especially backward onto a hard surface. Whatever the case, the symptoms are hard to ignore, but the source isn’t always obvious at first.
Pain in the Lower Back or Buttocks
This is probably the most common sign that your tailbone is broken. The pain tends to worsen when you sit or lean back, and it doesn’t always remain in one spot. It can spread into the lower back or upper thighs, depending on the severity of the break.
Swelling or Bruising Around the Base of the Spine
After trauma to the tailbone area, the body reacts by sending fluid and blood to the site. This can result in swelling, bruising, or both. It may appear as a dark purple spot just above the buttocks or feel puffy and tender to the touch. Some people can even feel a slight bump if the bone is misaligned or fractured.
Trouble Sitting for Any Length of Time
People with tailbone injuries often find it unbearable to sit down. Most will shift around constantly or lean to one side to avoid putting pressure directly on the tailbone.
Hard surfaces make it worse. Some find relief using a cushion with a cutout in the back, but even then, sitting too long is still a challenge.
Numbness or Tingling
Though not as common as pain, numbness or tingling can sometimes be felt in the lower back, buttocks, or legs when the tailbone is broken. This occurs when swelling or a broken bone presses against nearby nerves. This condition is not the same as sciatica, but the symptoms can feel similar.
Discomfort During Certain Activities
Simple movements (getting out of bed, climbing stairs, bending over) can all trigger tailbone pain. For some, even coughing or sneezing adds enough pressure to cause discomfort. These kinds of movements use core muscles and lower body support, which are all connected to the base of the spine.
Pain During Bowel Movements or Sex
This isn’t something people expect, but a broken tailbone can make bowel function painful. Because the tailbone is situated so close to the rectum, any strain or pressure can cause the pain to intensify.
Likewise, pain during intercourse is common, especially for women. Many people feel embarrassed about this, but if you experience it after an accident, it’s worth discussing with a doctor.
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
Everyone heals differently. For some, symptoms last a few weeks. For others, they drag on for months. The tailbone receives limited blood flow, which can slow down the healing process.
Additionally, you still need to sit, move, and work while recovering. That constant use doesn’t exactly give the injury much time to rest, so symptoms sometimes linger for a lot longer than you might expect.
Contact Our Anchorage Personal Injury Lawyers at Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Tailbone injuries tend to be dismissed as minor, but they can be seriously disruptive and make it tough to just get through everyday life. Recognizing the signs early can help you figure out what you’re dealing with and why you deserve to be compensated if someone’s negligence caused your accident.
For more information, please contact Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We have two locations in Alaska, including Anchorage and Eagle River.
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Anchorage
2525 Gambell St #410,
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 999-999
Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers – Eagle River
13135 Old Glenn Hwy, Suite 101
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 802-4097
