Mark Casto | October 4, 2024 | Personal Injury Lawyer Near Columbus Georgia
The tailbone, or coccyx, might be small, but it can cause significant pain when injured. A broken or bruised tailbone can lead to intense discomfort and difficulty with daily activities like sitting, walking, or even standing. If you’ve suffered a tailbone injury in Columbus, Georgia, understanding the symptoms and potential treatment options is crucial.
What Is The Tailbone Or Coccyx?
The coccyx, or tailbone, is a small, triangular bone located at the bottom of the spine. It consists of three to five fused vertebrae and serves as an attachment point for various ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The tailbone supports your body weight when you sit, especially if you lean back.
Because of its location and function, the coccyx is vulnerable to injury, particularly from falls or direct trauma. Certain people have anatomical differences that increase the risk of injury to the coccyx.
What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone?
The symptoms of a broken tailbone range from mild to severe. Tailbone pain (coccydynia) may vary depending on the extent of the injury, your body position, and your daily activities.
Here are the most common symptoms to look out for:
- Persistent pain. A constant, dull ache in the lower back or buttocks that worsens when sitting or standing.
- Bruising or Swelling. Visible signs of injury may include bruising or swelling around the tailbone area.
- Sharp pain during movement. Pain that intensifies when you change positions, such as sitting down, standing up, or leaning backward.
- Numbness or tingling. You may feel a tingling sensation in the lower back, buttocks, or legs.
- Difficulty with bowel movements. Increased pain during bowel movements due to pressure on the tailbone.
- Muscle spasms. The muscles around the tailbone may tense up or spasm in response to the injury.
- Pain during physical activity. Increased discomfort when walking, running, or exercising.
If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Only a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
What Is the Difference Between a Broken and Bruised Tailbone?
The symptoms of a broken tailbone can be similar to those of a bruised tailbone, making it difficult to distinguish between the two without medical imaging. A bruised tailbone usually involves damage to the soft tissues around the coccyx, causing swelling and pain. However, the coccyx itself remains intact. Symptoms of a bruised tailbone typically improve with rest, over-the-counter pain relief, and home remedies.
A broken tailbone, on the other hand, involves a fracture or crack in one of the fused vertebrae of the coccyx. The pain may be more intense, and the recovery period is often longer. X-rays or other imaging tests are usually required to confirm a tailbone fracture.
How a Fractured Tailbone Is Diagnosed and Treated
A healthcare professional will conduct a physical examination, inquire about your symptoms, and may perform imaging tests like an X-ray to diagnose a broken tailbone. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be necessary to assess soft tissue damage or detect subtle fractures.
Treatment options for a broken tailbone may include:
- Rest. Avoid prolonged sitting or pressure on the tailbone.
- Pain relief. Over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Ice packs. Applying ice packs to the tailbone area several times a day can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
- Cushions. Using a doughnut-shaped cushion or wedge can reduce pressure on the tailbone when sitting.
- Physical therapy. Stretching and strengthening exercises can promote healing and alleviate discomfort.
- Stool softeners. These may be recommended to ease bowel movements and prevent straining, which can worsen pain.
- Surgical intervention. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary if conservative treatments fail to relieve pain or if the fracture is severe.
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the fracture. While minor injuries may heal within a few weeks, more significant fractures can take several months to recover fully.
What Causes Tailbone Fractures?
The tailbone can break or become bruised due to various factors.
Here are some of the most common causes and risk factors:
- Falls. Direct trauma from falling backward onto a hard surface is the most common cause of tailbone injuries.
- Childbirth. The pressure and stress placed on the coccyx during labor can lead to fractures in some cases.
- Sports injuries. Activities that involve sudden movements or impact, such as ice skating, cycling, or gymnastics, increase the risk of tailbone fractures.
- Repetitive strain. Sitting for extended periods on hard surfaces can put stress on the tailbone, leading to chronic injury.
- Accidents. Car accidents or other traumatic events can result in fractures to the tailbone.
- Osteoporosis. This condition weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures, including in the coccyx.
Certain people are at increased risk of coccygeal pain and fractures. This includes women, particularly those who have given birth recently, older adults, people with osteoporosis, and people who are overweight.
Women are almost three times more likely to suffer a tailbone fracture due to a broader pelvis. This increases weight on the tailbone while sitting.
Have you suffered a Tailbone Injury In an Accident? Get Help Today
Have you experienced a broken tailbone in Columbus, Georgia, due to a slip and fall, a car accident, or another incident? You may be entitled to compensation. An experienced Columbus personal injury lawyer can work tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus personal injury accident lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808, Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030