How to Heal a Bruised Tailbone at Home

The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is located at the bottom of the spine. Its function is to support the body when we sit down. The tailbone may become bruised after a slipping accident, especially common during winter due to the icy weather. The excruciating pain from a bruised tailbone affects how we walk, bend, sit and rest. Even minor movements can aggravate the condition, complicating the recovery.

The most common bruised tailbone symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, swelling, or weakness in the legs. The symptoms will usually last a few weeks, although the timing may vary based on the severity of the damage. A bruised tailbone can often require a lengthy recovery period. Regular physiotherapy treatments are crucial to ensure your healing process goes smoothly.

In addition, you may want to try home remedies for a bruised tailbone, which can help relieve the pain. Here is a guide on how to heal a bruised tailbone at home:

Reduce tailbone pain from sitting

You need to avoid aggravating a bruised tailbone from sitting improperly. Keep in mind that your upper body weight rests directly on the tailbone when you sit down. This position can make sitting extraordinarily uncomfortable. It also lengthens the time needed for your bruised tailbone to heal.

If you are suffering from the signs of a broken tailbone, take extra care whenever you sit down. Ideally, try to minimize the amount of time you spend sitting. When you sit, lean forward slightly to take the pressure off your buttocks and lower back. This position allows you to place your upper body weight onto the feet and thighs. It provides extra support to minimize your bruised tailbone pain.

Pillow for tailbone pain

Sitting on a cushion or a pillow may help to relieve your bruised tailbone pain. A cushion provides a soft surface to better support your lower back pain. This item comes in handy if you must sit for long periods, especially when your chair doesn't offer ergonomic support.

When selecting a pillow, look for one that isn't too firm or too soft. While any pillow will do the trick, you can also purchase an orthopedic donut from any pharmacy or healthcare supply store. These round cushions provide the perfect support to make sitting with a bruised tailbone more comfortable.

Ice pack for tailbone pain

Ice is an excellent therapy to treat any bruising or other injuries. An ice pack works best when applied immediately after the damage occurs. It will help reduce the amount of blood flow to the damaged tissues. Also, this treatment minimizes the amount of swelling.

Ice can also be applied later during your recovery to reduce inflammation, numb the area, and relieve pain. When using ice therapy, wrap an ice pack in a tea towel and place it on your tailbone. Leave it on for ten minutes at a time. Then, remove it for at least ten minutes to allow your body to heal.

Heating pad for tailbone pain

Heat is another excellent therapy to heal a bruised tailbone faster at home. The heat will open up the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow freely into the injured area during your recovery. This treatment helps the damaged tissue to recover faster as it receives an increase of oxygen and nutrients. Heat also helps decrease swelling and inflammation.

The heating pad provides a soothing effect that relieves pain. Apply the heat source and use it for intervals of ten to fifteen minutes. When applying heat, don't use it directly on the skin as it may cause burns. Ensure there is a towel or layer of clothing between your skin.

Massage for tailbone pain

After an injury, the muscles around the injured area will constrict. This reaction is your body's natural healing response to provide protection, support, and stability. Unfortunately, it can also increase the bruised tailbone pain, making you stiff and limiting your mobility.

A massage can help relieve the tailbone pain. Carefully massage the muscles of your lower back, stimulating the blood flow to the area. It will loosen any tightness that may be contributing to your pain. Since a bruised tailbone is a sensitive area, consider seeking professional massage therapy treatments. Regular massages will prove beneficial in helping your bruised tailbone heal.

Warm bath for bruised tailbone

A warm bath is a relaxing treatment for a bruised tailbone. The warm water temperature can increase blood flow to your lower back, reduce muscle tension, and minimize inflammation. To make your bath even more therapeutic, consider adding Epsom salts or a few drops of essential oil.

Tailbone pain medication

If you need relief from tailbone pain, consider speaking to your local pharmacist. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend an over-the-counter medication to minimize the pain and speed up the healing. Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or muscle relaxants are potentially effective choices.