What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone?
Broken and fractured bones are an unfortunately common sight in the United States. Doctors across the country treat roughly 6.8 million fractures each year. While these commonly occur in the limbs, such as the arm, wrist, ankle, or lower leg, something like your tailbone is no exception to the risk of fracture.
However, detecting the signs and symptoms of a broken tailbone can be a bit tricky, especially if you’ve been in a car accident or suffered other catastrophic injuries. With that in mind, let’s explore the common symptoms of a broken tailbone, as well as some possible causes, to help you ensure you can address a potentially serious injury like this as soon as possible.
What Can Cause a Broken Tailbone?
Typically, a broken tailbone is linked to a direct impact. For instance, if you were involved in a motorcycle crash, fell off your bike, and landed on your tailbone, you could break it.
Some other possible causes of a broken tailbone include the following:
- Car accidents (even if you were wearing a seat belt)
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace accidents
- A direct blow to the tailbone (which can occur when playing contact sports, for instance)
In many instances, you will only bruise your tailbone. However, hard falls or especially violent accidents can lead to a broken tailbone.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
A broken tailbone can present itself through several different symptoms, either individually or all at once, such as:
- Numbness or pain when sitting
- Pain on the top of your buttocks area
- Pain or tenderness in your lower back
- Bruising or swelling near the base of your spine
Numbness and tingling are especially concerning, as they can be indicative of nerve damage.
How Long Does a Broken Tailbone Take To Heal?
Tailbone injuries can be very painful and may take a long time to heal. If you have a severe bruise, it will take around four weeks to heal. But if you have a broken tailbone, the healing process may take anywhere from eight to 12 weeks.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many treatment options for a broken tailbone. If you suffer severe damage, you may even experience chronic coccydynia, which is ongoing pain and discomfort in the tailbone. In these rare instances, surgery may be needed.
What Can I Do To Seek Relief From a Broken Tailbone?
In most instances, you’ll need to rely on home remedies to control your discomfort and avoid further irritation.
Some strategies you can try include the following:
- Avoiding long periods of sitting
- Avoiding sitting on hard surfaces
- Sitting on a cushion or pillow
- Applying ice to your tailbone in 15-20 minute increments
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications
Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and discuss any home treatment strategies with them. If they aren’t effective, your provider may recommend anti-inflammatory injections or prescribe stronger medications. Just keep in mind that these decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
In addition, make sure to avoid any strenuous activity that may agitate the injury. Take it easy and give your body time to heal.
Obtaining Compensation For Your Broken Tailbone
If you suffered a broken tailbone due to the negligence, carelessness, or otherwise dangerous actions of another, you may be entitled to compensation.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for things such as:
- Medical costs
- Lost income
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
That said, it’s vital that you act fast following a broken tailbone or any other personal injury. Seek professional help as soon as possible so you can get on the road to recovery and reduce the risk of lifelong symptoms.
Contact the Jacksonville Personal Injury Law Firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Personal Injury law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W. Forsyth St. #170,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167