The tailbone, or coccyx, is a part of the vertebral column at the end of the lower back made up of three different bone segments that are held together by joints and ligaments (reference 1). Due to evolution, the tailbone no longer serves a major function in the human body, but it does still provide an attachment for muscles and acts somewhat like a cushion for when a person sits down (reference 3). While tailbones can easily be injured, there is often a short recovery period and usually very little treatment is required (reference 1).
Tailbone Injuries
According to eMedicineHealth, women are more prone to tailbone injuries because their pelvises are broader than those of men, which makes the coccyx more exposed to potential injuries. The most common tailbone injuries occur from direct falls, and usually result in a bruise, dislocation or a fracture of the coccyx (reference 1). In general, symptoms of tailbone injuries include aches while sitting, pain when walking and discomfort with bowel movements (reference 2).
Self-Care Treatments
Fortunately, while a bruised tailbone may result in severe discomfort, it usually heals with very little treatment. In fact, one of easiest ways to treat the injury is by giving the tailbone sufficient time to heal. This may take several days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the injury (reference 2). A patient with an ijured tailbone should also avoid putting direct pressure on it for long periods of time (reference 1). A doughnut cushion, available at most medical supply houses and st some drugstores, will make a sufferer more comfortable sitting down and also assist in the overall healing process. If you are unable to find a medical supply house, or a drugstore that carries these, or if you wish to avoid spending money on the cushion, a similar design can be fashioned by cutting a hole in an old pillow (reference 2).
Doctors also recommend applying ice to the injured area for about 15 to 20 minutes, four times a day, for the first few days after the injury occurs. In addition, a physician may suggest eating foods high in fiber as well as drinking plenty of fluids to avoid constipation (reference 1).
Medical Treatments
Typically, a bruised tailbone will not require serious medical treatment. However, a physician may provide medication to help with pain control. If over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen are not helping, a doctor may provide the patient with a stronger pain medication. In addition, a physician may prescribe stool softeners as another way to prevent constipation.
In more serious cases, a patient may receive an injection of local anesthesia to reduce the pain. If the pain has persisted over several months, a patient may consider a more serious procedure, such as removing the coccyx through surgery (reference 1 for all above).
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