Assessing Tailbone Pain After Snowboarding: When to Seek Medical Help

Pain near the coccyx after skiing?

Hello, doctor.
I am currently working and vacationing at a ski resort in Japan.
Eight days ago, I attempted snowboarding for the first time and had a significant fall, landing on my back.
I think I may have injured my coccyx or the area just above it.
Since I was not going very fast at the time, it hurt a lot, and I had to lie down for about two minutes before I could get up.
Although it was painful, I continued to snowboard for a while, possibly because the snow was softer that day.
After that, even when I fell, it wasn't too bad.
However, for the next two days, I experienced considerable pain, and I soaked in hot water and applied patches, which gradually improved my condition.
About five days later, I no longer felt any unusual sensations.

Today, I had a day off and decided to try snowboarding again, wearing an extra pair of padded pants.
However, during a normal backward fall at a slow speed, I experienced significant pain, possibly because the snow was very hard today.
After resting for a bit, I noticed that unless I pressed on the area, I didn't feel anything unusual.
When sitting on a cushioned chair, I felt a bit strange when leaning back at about a 30-degree angle, but it wasn't painful.

Doctor, how can I determine if I need to seek medical attention? Also, how can I know if I have fully recovered enough to snowboard again? What can I do to speed up my recovery? Thank you.

A Cheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/26

Dr. Li Yongheng reply Orthopedics

Hello, based on the symptoms you described, as long as there is no severe pain or numbness and weakness in the lower limbs, it is generally not a concern, and you can continue to monitor your condition.
As long as you do not experience pain during daily activities, you should be able to return to skiing.
Minimizing bending and lifting heavy objects, as well as avoiding pressure on the injured area, will help speed up your recovery.

Reply Date: 2018/12/26

More Info

When assessing tailbone pain after a snowboarding incident, it's essential to consider several factors to determine whether medical attention is necessary and how to facilitate recovery. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a significant impact to your tailbone, which can lead to conditions such as a bruised coccyx (tailbone) or even a fracture. Here’s a comprehensive approach to evaluating your situation:

When to Seek Medical Help
1. Severity of Pain: If the pain is severe and persistent, especially if it worsens over time or does not improve with rest and home care, it may indicate a more serious injury that requires medical evaluation.

2. Neurological Symptoms: If you experience any numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, this could suggest nerve involvement or injury. These symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.

3. Difficulty with Daily Activities: If you find it challenging to perform daily activities such as sitting, standing, or walking without significant pain, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional.

4. Swelling or Bruising: Significant swelling or bruising around the tailbone area can indicate a more severe injury, such as a fracture, which should be assessed by a doctor.

5. Duration of Symptoms: If your symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying issues.

Signs of Recovery
To determine if you are ready to return to snowboarding, consider the following:
1. Pain Level: You should have minimal to no pain during daily activities, including sitting and standing. If you can sit comfortably on a soft surface without discomfort, this is a good sign.

2. Range of Motion: Ensure that you can move without pain, especially when bending or twisting your torso. If movements are pain-free, you may be ready to resume activities.

3. Functional Testing: Try light activities that mimic snowboarding movements, such as squatting or balancing on one leg. If these movements do not elicit pain, it may indicate readiness to return to the sport.

4. Gradual Return: Consider starting with low-impact activities before returning to snowboarding. This can help gauge your body’s response and ensure you are not exacerbating any injuries.

Accelerating Recovery
To facilitate your recovery, consider the following strategies:
1. Rest and Ice: Initially, rest is crucial. Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and pain.

2. Heat Therapy: After the initial swelling has subsided (usually after 48 hours), applying heat can help relax the muscles and alleviate pain.

3. Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

4. Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the lower back and pelvic area can help restore function and prevent future injuries.

5. Physical Therapy: If pain persists, consider consulting a physical therapist who can provide tailored exercises and treatments to facilitate recovery.

6. Avoiding Aggravating Activities: Until you are fully healed, avoid activities that put pressure on the tailbone, such as sitting on hard surfaces or engaging in high-impact sports.

In summary, while some discomfort after a fall is common, monitoring your symptoms closely is crucial. If you experience any concerning signs, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. By following a structured recovery plan and listening to your body, you can safely return to snowboarding while minimizing the risk of re-injury.

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