Dealing with discomfort in the tailbone area can be a challenging and often confusing experience. Whether it’s due to a recent injury or persistent pain, understanding the signs of a tailbone injury is crucial for seeking appropriate care and relief. Learn how to recognize bruised tailbone symptoms and discover what you can do to alleviate the pain and promote healing. From identifying the causes to practical tips for managing discomfort, here’s what you need to know about recognizing and addressing a bruised tailbone for a more comfortable and pain-free recovery.
What Does a Bruised Tailbone Feel Like?
The tailbone, scientifically known as the coccyx, is the small, triangular bone at the base of the spine. This part of the spine supports the body when sitting and provides attachment points for various muscles and ligaments. When the tailbone experiences trauma, such as a fall or prolonged pressure, it can lead to bruising. If you have a bruised tailbone, you may notice localized pain and tenderness in the area. Individuals with a bruised tailbone may experience discomfort while sitting, especially on hard surfaces, and may find relief when standing or leaning forward. The pain from a bruised tailbone can range from mild to severe, and activities like sitting for prolonged periods, standing up from a seated position, or even bowel movements may make the pain and discomfort worse. It’s essential to recognize bruised coccyx symptoms to determine if further medical attention or self-care measures are necessary for a prompt and effective recovery.
3 Common Causes of a Bruised Tailbone
Falls
One of the most common causes of a tailbone bruise is a slip-and-fall injury, especially if you land on a hard surface. Whether you lose your balance on a slippery floor, fall on ice, or land the wrong way while playing sports, the direct impact on the coccyx can lead to bruising and discomfort. Here are some examples:
- Sports injuries – Activities like cycling, gymnastics, ice skating, and snowboarding can lead to falls that put your tailbone at risk.
- Accidental falls – Missing a step on the stairs, tripping over uneven pavement, or falling from a chair can lead to a bruised or even fractured tailbone.
- Winter conditions – Slipping on icy sidewalks or driveways can cause you to land hard on your lower back and tailbone.
In more severe cases, the impact from a fall can cause not just bruising but also fractures or dislocations of the coccyx, which can cause significant pain and difficulty sitting or moving comfortably.
Prolonged Sitting
Sitting for long periods, especially on hard surfaces or in improper positions, can end up putting too much pressure on your tailbone, leading to bruising and discomfort. People who frequently sit for extended periods are at higher risk, including:
- Office workers – Spending hours at a desk without proper ergonomic support can increase pressure on the area.
- Long-distance drivers – From truck drivers to frequent travelers, you may develop tailbone pain due to prolonged sitting.
- Cyclists – Sitting on a narrow bike seat for long rides can put repeated pressure on the coccyx, potentially leading to bruising.
Childbirth
Women are especially susceptible to a bruised tailbone because of the physical demands of childbirth. During labor and delivery, the baby’s head moves through the birth canal, which can put significant pressure on the coccyx. This pressure can lead to bruising, inflammation, or even temporary displacement of the tailbone. There are also a few factors that can increase the likelihood of tailbone bruising during childbirth.
- Prolonged labor: A long and difficult labor can increase pressure on the tailbone, leading to bruising and other uncomfortable symptoms.
- Baby’s positioning: If the baby is in a posterior position, which means they’re facing the mother’s abdomen instead of her back, this can put additional stress on the tailbone area.
- Use of forceps or vacuum extraction: In some cases, a delivery may require assistive devices like forceps or a vacuum extraction. While these can be life-saving, they can also put extra force on the lower back and tailbone area.
Postpartum women who experience tailbone pain may find relief through gentle stretching, using a donut cushion when sitting, and applying ice or heat packs. In some cases, your doctor may recommend physical therapy as you recover from childbirth and manage pain from the bruised coccyx and other symptoms.
What to Do About a Bruised Tailbone
If you think you might have bruised your tailbone, there are several steps you can take to manage your pain and promote healing in the area:
- Rest: Avoid activities that may make your tailbone pain worse, like sitting on hard surfaces for a long time. Give your tailbone time to heal by taking breaks from sitting and allowing your body to recover.
- Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially during the first 48 hours after the injury. This can help reduce swelling and pain. Don’t forget to wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth to protect your skin!
- Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation in the area.
- Cushioning: Use a cushion or pillow when sitting to relieve pressure on the tailbone. You may want to try a donut-shaped cushion or one with a cutout at the back because these are designed to prevent direct contact with the affected area.
- Proper Posture: Sitting with proper lumbar support and keeping your weight evenly distributed can help prevent further damage.
- Gentle Movements: While rest is important, prolonged inactivity can lead to stiffness. Light walking or stretching can promote blood flow and aid recovery.
- Avoid Trauma: Be mindful of activities that could further injure the tailbone. Avoid hazards that put you at greater risk for a fall, and be cautious when engaging in physical activities that may put strain on the tailbone.
- Consult a Spine Specialist: If the pain persists or worsens, or if you experience additional symptoms like numbness, tingling, or difficulty with bowel movements, visit a spine specialist near you. They can assess the severity of the injury and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include chiropractic care or physical therapy.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most cases of a bruised tailbone can improve with conservative treatment within a few weeks to a few months. However, it’s important to see a doctor right away if you experience any of the following:
- Severe, persistent pain that does not get better with rest or medication.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, which could indicate nerve damage.
- Difficulty controlling bowel or bladder function, which may be a sign of a more serious spinal issue.
- A visible deformity or sharp pain when sitting or standing, which could indicate a fracture.
Treatment Options for a Bruised Tailbone
At AICA Orthopedics, our team of multispecialty doctors can provide you with quality, comprehensive care from diagnosis through treatment and recovery of a wide range of injuries and health conditions. Here’s what you can expect when you visit AICA Orthopedics for a bruised or broken tailbone.
Diagnosis
So, how do you know if you broke your tailbone? Diagnosing a bruised tailbone begins with a thorough evaluation, including a review of your medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic imaging tools. Your doctor will ask about any recent injuries, falls, or activities that may have contributed to your pain. They may also ask you about any previous tailbone injuries or underlying conditions that could also lead to pain. Your doctor will also carefully assess the affected area to check for tenderness, swelling, and any abnormalities. Your doctor may ask you to perform specific movements to determine how your pain responds to pressure or motion. In some cases, your doctor may recommend an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to rule out fractures, dislocations, or other structural issues. These imaging tools help provide a clearer picture of the injury and guide the most effective treatment plan. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your care team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Orthopedic Care
Orthopedic doctors specialize in conditions and injuries that can affect the bones, joints, and muscles. If your bruised tailbone is severe or if there are concerns about structural damage, your orthopedic doctor can provide targeted care, which may include:
- Pain Management Strategies – Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce your pain and inflammation in the area. In some cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to help with pain management.
- Supportive Devices – To help reduce pressure on a bruised coccyx, your doctor may also suggest using a donut-shaped cushion or orthopedic seat pad when you sit at your desk or drive. These devices help redistribute your weight and reduce pain.
- Guidance on Activity Modification – Your doctor may also recommend avoiding prolonged sitting, high-impact activities, or positions that make your pain worse while you’re healing.
- For more severe cases, your orthopedic doctor may also evaluate whether additional treatment approaches are needed to promote healing and long-term pain relief.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing tailbone pain and can be an effective complement to other treatment options. Since the tailbone is part of the spinal column, misalignment or too much pressure on the lower back can also contribute to your pain. Here are some ways a chiropractor can help with a bruised tailbone:
- Chiropractic Adjustments – Gentle, drug-free adjustments to the lower spine and pelvis can help realign the area and relieve pressure on the tailbone.
- Muscle Tension Relief – Tight muscles around your lower back and pelvic area can impact your tailbone pain. Chiropractic care may also include soft tissue therapy to help relieve tense muscles and improve your mobility.
- Posture Advice – Chiropractors can assess your posture and suggest modifications to make sure you’re sitting, standing, and moving in ways that reduce stress on your tailbone.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists can help you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility after a bruised tailbone through a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Stretching– Gentle stretches for the hip flexors, hamstrings, and pelvic muscles can improve your flexibility and relieve tension around the tailbone.
- Exercises – Strengthening the muscles surrounding the coccyx, including your core, lower back, and glutes, can help stabilize the area and reduce strain.
- Pain Management– Your physical therapist may also use heat therapy, ice packs, ultrasound therapy, or other techniques to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Treatment for a Bruised Tailbone at AICA Snellville
If you are experiencing pain from a tailbone injury, visit AICA Orthopedics in Snellville for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. Our team of doctors includes orthopedic specialists, chiropractors, and physical therapists who work together to provide you with the support you need for a full recovery. At Snellville AICA Orthopedics, we offer in-house diagnostics and in-house rehab so you can meet with your doctors and get all the treatment you need in one convenient location. Call or visit us online to get started with a doctor and work toward relieving pain from a bruised tailbone so you can get back to your regular routines and activities.