The bone that is located at the lowest point of the spine, specifically located between the sacrum and the sphincter of the anus, is known as the coccyx. It is the last bone element in the spine and can be quite susceptible to blows, no matter how light they are. This is why on numerous occasions when we suffer a back fall, slipping, tripping or stepping badly can cause great pain in the tailbone . Even during childbirth is when most coccyx fractures occur.
Many people know that this bone element is a bit weak, so it can be easily damaged; however, with constant discomfort many individuals may wonder how to tell if I have a broken tailbone . This is why in the following FastlyHealarticle we want you to know some ways to identify this alteration; however, it is essential to consult a specialist to remove the doubt and carry out the correct treatment.
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How to know if you have broken your tailbone
The sacrum, located at the end of the spinal column, is made up of five fused vertebrae and, after it, the coccyx, also called coccyx, is located, which at the same time is formed by some small vertebrae known as rudimentary .
As it is an area in which injuries are very common, it is important to know if the coccyx is broken and for this it is necessary to pay attention to the main symptoms of fractured coccyx , of which the following stand out:
- Severe discomfort in the lower back and the upper area of the buttocks.
- Redness and swelling of the skin.
- Presence of bruises or bruises.
- Tenderness to the touch in the affected area.
- Shooting pain when sitting.
- Tingling in the lower extremities.
- Discomfort in the legs.
- Dizziness
When to see the doctor for the coccyx
When there is concern about the severe pain felt in the tailbone and it is not known whether the bone is broken or fissured, it is important to take various actions. The first thing to do is see a doctor , especially if after a fall you feel very intense pain that does not subside or you cannot even stand up.
Despite the above, it is important to see a specialist if the discomfort is not relieved after a blow, especially after a few hours or a day . At the scene, the doctor can perform a physical examination and X-ray to diagnose the injury and the extent of the injury. Finally, the enrollee will be able to offer the patient the correct treatment depending on the severity of the injury, so it is essential that the person follow it strictly, since there are very mild cases or, otherwise, cause the individual to be incapacitated.
You can walk with a broken tailbone
Depending on the person, there are those who tolerate pain better or worse. That is why a broken tailbone does not always prevent walking. In fact, many people can walk with a broken tailbone even with obvious difficulties and pain. The fact that you can walk should not make you give up going to the doctor, only a visit with a professional can make you correctly diagnose what you suffer.
How long does tailbone pain last?
Although everyone wants to know in how long the discomfort caused by the coccyx injury disappears, this will depend, like all alterations, on the severity of it and if the treatment is indicated or if it is being followed correctly.
If it is a minor injury with not so bad pain, the discomfort may disappear in a few hours or a couple of days; however, when the injury is a fissure or a fracture in this bone at the end of the spine, the estimated time for healing is 60 to 90 days, although it may vary from person to person.
Coccyx fracture: how to avoid sequelae
To alleviate the discomfort it is important to follow the medical treatment and the instructions offered by the specialist. These may include:
- Walk and sit as upright as possible without damaging the area, so it is important that it does not hurt excessively.
- Have a correct posture when sitting, that is, support the entire soles of your feet on the floor or, otherwise, use a footrest.
- It is necessary to avoid crossing the legs at all times.
- Avoid sitting or leaning on very hard surfaces or using a cushion to rest the base of the spine. Despite this, it is essential not to sit on totally soft surfaces, since when sinking, you will not be able to maintain the correct posture.
- Apply cold and heat alternately; however, a low temperature is advised immediately after the blow to avoid bruising and inflammation and heat later, to relax the affected area.
- Take drugs prescribed by the specialist with the appropriate dose, which are generally anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
In the event that there is a fracture or fissure in the bone of the spine, it is essential to carry out another treatment that is not only based on eliminating pain, so it is important to carry out a rehabilitation or some other treatment controlled by various specialists.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to know if I have a broken tailbone , we recommend that you enter our Bones, Joints and Muscles category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.