A broken tailbone, also called a coccyx fracture, can be extremely painful and take weeks or even months to heal. These injuries are common in serious falls, work accidents, oilfield incidents, and catastrophic truck and 18-wheeler collisions.
Unfortunately, when another’s reckless actions cause you harm, you can expect them — and their insurers — to stop at nothing to avoid responsibility. That’s why understanding the symptoms of a fracture and seeking immediate medical treatment is crucial — not just for your recovery, but for protecting your right to hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Zehl & Associates, our undefeated Texas personal injury lawyers have won Billions for accident victims. We ensure our clients receive the best medical care in the country, backed by a network of leading doctors and surgeons who specialize in treating serious fractures and broken bones. And we never back down in our fight to recover the maximum compensation possible.
Read on to learn more about tailbone injuries and how our team can stand up, fight, and win for you.
What is the Tailbone?
The tailbone or coccyx is a small, triangular bone at the bottom of the spine. It consists of three to five fused vertebrae and helps support your body when sitting. Although small, the tailbone plays an important role in balance and stability.
Multiple muscles and ligaments are attached to the coccyx. The levator ani muscle group is one of the largest and most complex of the attached muscle groups. It makes up the pelvic floor to support pelvic organs, control urination and defecation, and assist in childbirth.
Common Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
A fractured tailbone can cause several symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to intense pain.
If you suspect you have a broken tailbone, look for the following signs:
- Pain and tenderness: The most obvious symptom is pain at the bottom of the spine. Pain usually worsens when sitting, especially on hard surfaces. Moving from sitting to standing can also be very painful.
- Swelling and bruising: The skin around the tailbone may appear swollen or discolored. Bruising usually appears within a few hours or days after the injury.
- Difficulty sitting: Many people with a broken tailbone find sitting unbearable. The pain may lessen when leaning forward or sitting on a soft cushion.
- Pain when using the bathroom: The tailbone is close to the rectum, so bowel movements may be painful. Some people experience constipation due to pain while straining.
- Numbness or tingling: Nerves near the coccyx may be compressed, leading to numbness or tingling in the lower back or buttocks.
- Pain during sexual activity: Women may feel pain during intercourse, as the tailbone moves slightly with pelvic motion.
- Difficulty walking or moving: Certain movements, like bending over, may trigger sharp pain.
A bruised coccyx can have symptoms very similar to a fractured coccyx. A bruised coccyx happens when soft tissues around the coccyx, including ligaments and muscles, are damaged. A fractured coccyx may also involve soft tissue injuries, but the pain is usually more intense, and the recovery process takes longer. A physician will need to confirm whether you have suffered a bruised or broken tailbone.
How Long Does a Broken Tailbone Take to Heal?
Most tailbone fractures heal within 8 to 12 weeks, but some people experience pain for much longer.
Recovery time depends on:
- The type and severity of the break
- Overall health and age
- Coccygeal anatomy
- Whether you rest properly and avoid pressure on the area
Some people experience chronic coccydynia, or tailbone pain that persists without improvement.
How to Manage Tailbone Pain
If you have a bruised or broken tailbone, there are a few ways to reduce discomfort and manage your pain:
- Use a donut cushion to reduce pressure on the coccyx
- Ice packs help with swelling in the first few days, while heat can relax tight muscles later on
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) if recommended by your doctor
- Avoid sitting for long periods
- Try stool softeners to avoid straining if you are experiencing difficulty with bowel movements
Physical therapy, stretching, and pelvic floor exercises can also be helpful, especially in resolving lasting tailbone pain or coccyx injuries from childbirth.
What Causes Tailbone Fractures?
Coccyx fractures are usually related to one of the following:
- Falls that cause direct impact on the tailbone
- Childbirth injuries
- Sports injuries involving a hard blow or excess pressure on the tailbone
- Repetitive stress injuries from sitting for long periods of time on hard surfaces
- Car accidents and other motor vehicle accidents which can cause direct trauma to the tailbone
Women are five times more likely to experience coccygeal pain and three times more likely to suffer a coccyx fracture. This is partially due to a wider pelvis, which increases pressure on the coccyx while sitting. Osteoporosis, obesity, and recent childbirth also increase the risk of a fracture.
Some people simply have atypical coccygeal anatomy that makes a fracture or other injury more likely.
Contact a Lawyer if You Are Experiencing Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
If you believe your tailbone injury was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact one today for a free consultation.
Undefeated Texas Personal Injury Lawyers: 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consult
With Billions won and decades of experience, our undefeated Texas personal injury lawyers have successfully represented thousands of accident victims in Texas, Louisiana, and across the United States, repeatedly recovering the largest record-breaking verdicts and settlements in history. With the resources and expertise to take on the largest companies in the world, we don’t just win — we set records.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident at work or behind the wheel, contact us today at 1-888-603-3636 or send us a confidential email through our Contact Us page.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.
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We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
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(432) 220-0000
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