If you had an accident recently and your tailbone area is hurting, it might be because you have bruised, broken or fractured your coccyx bone. Remember to always seek medical attention if you are in severe pain or your pain lasts more than a few days. The coccyx or tailbone is a bony structure located at the very bottom of your vertebral column or spine. It is triangular shaped bone composed of small bony segments. It is held together by joints and ligaments.
Causes
It is easier for a woman to injure her tailbone than a man. This is because a female pelvis is wider and therefore the coccyx bone is more exposed. Injury to the tailbone can happen by falling in a seated position on a hard surface. It is also common for an athlete to injure their coccyx by receiving a direct blow to that area during a sporting activity.
Repetitive straining or friction during some sports can also cause such an injury. This is quite common with cyclists and rowers.
Symptoms
Symptoms that you might experience if you have injured your tailbone are:
- Pain in the area
- Tenderness in the area
- A visible bruise
- Sitting down is painful
- Direct pressure is painful
- Bowel movements are painful
Treatments
Depending on your pain and the results of your tests, your doctor might prescribe at home or medical treatments.
At Home
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time
- Avoid sitting on hard surfaces
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines
- Apply ice to the area can also help with inflammation and pain
- Eat lots of fiber so your stool will be soft and easier to pass
Medical
- You might require stronger pain killer or anti-inflammatory medicines available only by prescription
- Stool softeners may be required if your are having problems with your bowel movements
- If the pain is too severe you might need a local anesthetics to be injected into the tailbone