Broken Tailbone
A broken tailbone (also known as a fractured coccyx) occurs after a fall where the patient lands directly on the tailbone, at the very base of the spine. This is usually in a seated position.
Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
- Pain in the coccyx after a blunt impact or fall on the area.
- Pain on sitting is the main symptom.
- Pain sometimes during bowel movements or sexual intercourse.
Treatment
- If you think you may have a fractured coccyx, visit your doctor as soon as possible.
- A doctor may examine your spine and may perform a digital examination of the rectum to try to reproduce the pain.
- An MRI or CT scan may be requested to confirm the diagnosis.
- In most cases, rest is the best treatment.
- A doctor may prescribe pain killers and stool softeners to make bowel movements more comfortable.
- A ring (or doughnut) cushion may help to make sitting more comfortable.
- Surgery is occasionally required to fix fractures which may have been displaced.
