7 Signs of a Broken Tailbone in Your Body

The tailbone is that tiny triangular-shaped bone located at the end of your spinal column. It's comprised of approximately three to five vertebrae fused together that forms a single flexible complex. The tailbone is what makes it possible to stabilize and balance your body when you sit down. A tailbone is also commonly known by its scientific name, the coccyx.

When your tailbone breaks, it can be excruciatingly painful to move your body. Some occasional discomfort in that area is unsurprising, especially as you get older. However, you may want to see a chiropractor if the pain persists or becomes too intrusive. The chiropractor can perform examinations and recommend a suitable tailbone pain treatment.

How do you know if your tailbone is broken? There are some common symptoms that appear when you have a severely bruised tailbone. Watch out for these seven signs of a broken tailbone:

Sign #1: Lower back pain

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A clear sign of a broken tailbone is a constantly nagging pain in the lower-back section above the butt. This area is where you will find the location of the tailbone. The lower back pain ranges in severity and doesn't necessarily have to be intense. It can be a dull pain that comes and goes for long periods of time.

The tailbone can break for various reasons, but the most common explanation is a rough fall where the butt forcefully lands on a hard surface. This fall may result from an accident during a sporting activity, such as cycling. If the pain persists to the point of making you worried, consulting a chiropractor to initiate physiotherapy treatments.

Sign #2: Lower back tenderness

The scientific name for tailbone pain is called 'coccydynia'. Sometimes, your tailbone pain is accompanied by a tenderness in the lower back area above the buttocks. If you experience this tenderness, there's a higher chance that you have a bruised or broken tailbone injury.

The tenderness pain is often localized in the tailbone area. It doesn't reach other extremities like the pelvis. The sensation is mostly a mild pain, causing you to experience some tightness or discomfort in the tailbone area. The pain may become sharper with movement or pressure, such as when you stoop down to pick up something from the ground.

Sign #3: Lower back pain when sitting

If you experience lower back pain when sitting, this could be the sign of a broken tailbone. Prolonged sitting often escalates the pain from mild to severe, as your body's weight is exerted on the tailbone area. People who sit for long hours at work or while driving have a higher risk of damaging their tailbone. Another cause of tailbone pain is prolonged sitting on hard surfaces, such as a metal chair or a wooden bench.

To prevent damage, take frequent breaks in between sitting. Walk around and perform some back exercises or stretches from time to time. Try not to lean against walls since this could exacerbate the pain from a bruised or broken tailbone.

Sign #4: Lower back pain when walking or standing

If the pain intensifies as you are walking, this may let you know that your tailbone is broken. The pain can feel quite severe because your pelvic bones are rotating. When this happens, the pain may feel so destabilizing that you need to hold onto something for grip and support.

On the other hand, a broken tailbone pain may worsen from standing for too long. If you have a damaged tailbone, avoid wearing heels. Otherwise, the strain and the pain in the coccyx area might become unbearable.

Sign #5: Lower back pain associated with bowel movement

A broken tailbone could be the reason why you experience increased pain when defecating. The pain gets worse with irregular bowl movements. Since you want to avoid putting further pressure on the tailbone, eat fibre-rich foods to keep constipation at bay. Also, be very gentle when you are sitting down or getting up from the toilet seat.

Sign #6: Lower back pain from sex

While sex is an enjoyable exercise, it can feel like a nightmare if you have a broken tailbone. Should you experience intensified pain during sexual intercourse, there's a likely chance your tailbone is bruised or broken. If the lower back pain appears too frequently, make sure you seek medical help as soon as possible.

Sign #7: Lower back, hip and leg pain

You may have a broken tailbone if you experience lower back and hip pain at the same time. You might also experience sharp shooting pain in the leg, also known as sciatica. Another indication of a broken tailbone is a pain in the buttocks. Other signs of a broken tailbone include swelling in the tailbone area and numbness in the leg.

If the pain is mild, use home remedies such as coccyx cushions or hot and cold packs for relief. These remedies can dramatically ease the discomfort from a broken tailbone. If the pain becomes too unbearable, consult with Chiro-Med for an extensive diagnosis.