Tailbone Injuries: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery

Q: Tailbone Injuries: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery

Hello： First, if it is an old injury, it is important to confirm whether the bone has been deformed or bent due to the contusion. <br>You should first determine where the protrusion is located and whether it is fixed or disappears with spinal movement. <br>Generally speaking, if

Fell and hit the coccyx on the stairs?

Hello Dr.
Wang: When I was in junior high school, I slipped and fell, hitting my tailbone against two steps of the staircase.
At that moment, I experienced severe pain in my coccyx, but I have not seen a doctor since then.
In high school, I noticed a protrusion of a vertebra in my lower back, which is visibly noticeable and feels hard to the touch.
It still exists to this day.
Last year, I experienced a sudden, severe pain in my lower back while sleeping, which persisted until the next day.
At that time, there was swelling around the protruding vertebra (the swollen area felt soft and contained fluid when pressed).
The pain became unbearable, and wearing a back brace gradually alleviated the discomfort, and the swelling around the protrusion also subsided.
(This pain episode has only occurred once since the injury.) I often wake up at night due to lower back pain; prolonged standing, sitting, walking, or maintaining a fixed posture for too long leads to lower back discomfort.
The pain from that episode and my usual lower back pain is localized only to the lower back, with no abnormal sensations such as soreness, pain, or numbness in other areas like the hips, lower limbs, or lower back.
P.S.
I gave birth naturally at the age of 19.
I would like to ask Dr.
Wang if these symptoms are serious, what might be the condition, whether it can be managed with medication or physical therapy, and the likelihood of needing surgery.
Thank you very much for your response, Dr.
Wang.

Yan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/12

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics

Hello: First, if it is an old injury, it is important to confirm whether the bone has been deformed or bent due to the contusion.
You should first determine where the protrusion is located and whether it is fixed or disappears with spinal movement.
Generally speaking, if there is discomfort in the lower back, you should pay attention to your posture (keep your head up and chest out, avoiding slouching).
Applying heat therapy, avoiding prolonged sitting, and strengthening the core muscles of the abdomen and back through exercise can often alleviate discomfort.
If pain persists, an X-ray should be taken to assess the condition of the spine.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Wang Shou-ji.

Reply Date: 2018/08/12

More Info

Understanding tailbone injuries, particularly in the context of your experiences, involves recognizing the symptoms, potential causes, and treatment options available. Tailbone injuries, or coccydynia, can result from trauma, such as falls, and can lead to persistent pain and discomfort.

Symptoms of Tailbone Injuries
The symptoms of a tailbone injury can vary but typically include:
1. Localized Pain: Pain at the base of the spine, which may worsen when sitting, standing, or transitioning between positions.

2. Swelling: In some cases, swelling may occur around the tailbone area, indicating inflammation.

3. Radiating Pain: Pain may sometimes radiate to the lower back, buttocks, or even down the legs, depending on the severity of the injury.

4. Difficulty Sitting: Many individuals report discomfort while sitting, which can lead to the use of specialized cushions to alleviate pressure.

5. Pain During Movement: Activities such as standing up from a seated position, bending, or even walking can exacerbate pain.

Potential Causes of Your Symptoms
Given your history of trauma from falling and the subsequent development of a noticeable bump on your spine, it is possible that you may be experiencing:
- Coccygeal Fracture or Dislocation: This can occur from a direct impact and may lead to chronic pain if not properly addressed.

- Soft Tissue Injury: Surrounding muscles, ligaments, or tendons may have sustained injury, leading to inflammation and pain.

- Osteoarthritis: Over time, wear and tear on the joints can lead to pain and discomfort, particularly if there is a history of injury.

Treatment Options
1. Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. If over-the-counter options are insufficient, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medications.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can be beneficial. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve flexibility, which may alleviate some of the discomfort.

3. Cushions and Positioning: Using a doughnut-shaped cushion or a wedge cushion can help relieve pressure on the tailbone when sitting. Adjusting your sitting posture can also be beneficial.

4. Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling. Heat may be particularly soothing for muscle tension.

5. Injections: In cases where pain is severe and persistent, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation.

6. Surgery: Surgical intervention is typically a last resort and is only considered in chronic cases where conservative treatments have failed. This may involve coccygectomy, the removal of the tailbone.

Considerations for Pregnancy and Future Health
Regarding your concerns about pregnancy, while tailbone pain can be uncomfortable, it does not typically complicate pregnancy or delivery. However, it is essential to communicate your history of tailbone pain with your healthcare provider during prenatal visits. They can monitor your condition and provide guidance on managing discomfort during pregnancy.

Conclusion
Your symptoms, including the history of trauma and the presence of a noticeable bump, suggest that you may be dealing with a chronic tailbone injury or related soft tissue issues. It is crucial to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare professional who can provide a tailored treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent further complications and improve your quality of life. If conservative measures do not yield improvement, further imaging studies or referrals to specialists may be warranted to explore additional treatment options.

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