Eisenberg Law Offices, S.C. | July 26, 2025 | Personal Injury
The tailbone, or coccyx, is a small, triangular bone at the base of your spine. It consists of three to five fused vertebrae and acts as an anchor point for muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While it’s a relatively small part of the body, its role in supporting your weight when sitting makes it especially vulnerable to pain and discomfort if injured.
This article will look at the most common symptoms of a broken tailbone, how to differentiate it from a bruise or sprain, when to seek medical attention, and when to consider speaking to a personal injury lawyer.
Tailbone fractures can occur from various types of trauma.
The most common causes include:
Even a minor fall can lead to a fracture, especially in individuals with weakened bones due to age or conditions like osteoporosis.
Understanding the symptoms of a broken tailbone can help you decide when to seek medical care. While some of these signs may also indicate a bruised or dislocated coccyx, persistent or severe symptoms could point to a fracture.
The most prominent symptom of a broken tailbone is sharp or aching pain in the area just above the buttocks. The pain is often localized and worsens when sitting or moving from sitting to standing.
People with a fractured coccyx commonly report intense discomfort when sitting, especially on hard or uneven surfaces. The pain may also spike when standing up or changing positions.
Bruising and swelling around the tailbone area are common, particularly if the injury was caused by direct trauma, such as a fall. Discoloration may appear within hours or days.
The coccyx may feel tender or sore when touched, and pressure on the area—like from tight clothing or leaning back—can aggravate the pain.
Because of the tailbone’s proximity to the rectum, many individuals experience pain while having a bowel movement. Straining or constipation may make the discomfort worse.
Though the pain is centered near the tailbone, it can sometimes radiate to the lower back, hips, or legs, depending on how the injury affects surrounding nerves or muscles.
Finding a comfortable sleeping position can become challenging with a broken tailbone. Lying on your back may intensify the pain, leading many patients to sleep on their sides or stomachs.
If you experience persistent pain at the base of your spine after a fall or trauma, it’s best to consult a doctor. While some tailbone injuries are simply bruised and heal on their own, a fracture may require additional care.
A physician may conduct a physical exam and order imaging tests—such as an X-ray or MRI—to confirm whether the coccyx is fractured, bruised, or dislocated.
Fortunately, most coccyx fractures can be treated without surgery. Treatment usually focuses on pain relief and allowing the bone to heal naturally, which may take several weeks or months.
For most individuals with a broken tailbone, symptoms can be managed at home with the following conservative treatments that focus on pain relief and reducing pressure on the coccyx:
These non-invasive options often provide significant relief and promote healing without the need for surgical intervention.
In rare cases where pain persists beyond the typical healing window, more aggressive treatments may be necessary. Options include nerve block injections, manual manipulation, or in extreme cases, surgical removal of the tailbone (coccygectomy).
Healing from a broken tailbone takes patience.
You can support your recovery by:
If your pain doesn’t improve over time or gets worse, don’t hesitate to seek follow-up care. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, consider reaching out to a personal injury attorney. You may be entitled to compensation.
Eisenberg Law Offices S.C. is a trusted personal injury law firm in Madison, WI, dedicated to fighting for your deserved compensation. Our experienced attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Dane County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, Rock County, Columbia County, and their surrounding areas.
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