A coccyx injury results in pain and discomfort in the tailbone area (the condition is called coccydynia). These injuries may result in a bruise, dislocation, or fracture (break) of the coccyx. Although they may be slow to heal, the majority of coccyx injuries can be managed with cautious treatment.

The coccyx is the triangular bony structure located at the bottom of the vertebral column. It is composed of three to five bony segments held in place by joints and ligaments.

The majority of coccyx injuries occur in women, because the female pelvis is broader and the coccyx is more exposed.

Tailbone Injury Causes

Most tailbone injuries are caused by trauma to the coccyx area.

• A fall onto the tailbone in the seated position, usually against a hard surface, is the most common cause of coccyx injuries.
• A direct blow to the tailbone, such as those that occur during contact sports, can injure the coccyx.
• The coccyx can be injured or fractured during childbirth.
• Repetitive straining or friction against the coccyx (as happens in bicycling or rowing) can injure the coccyx.
• Sometimes, the cause of coccyx injuries is unknown.
• Less common causes of coccyx injuries include bone spurs, compression of nerve roots, injuries to other parts of the spine, local infections, and tumors.

Tailbone Injury Symptoms

•  Severe localized pain and tenderness may be felt in the tailbone area.
• If the injury is traumatic, a bruise may be visible in this area.
• The pain is generally worse when sitting for prolonged periods of time, or with direct pressure to the tailbone area.
• Bowel movements and straining are often painful.
• Some women may experience pain during sexual intercourse.

• Most coccyx injuries are accidental (such as a slip on ice) and therefore cannot be entirely avoided.
• Wear proper protective padding when participating incontact sports that can potentially lead to coccyx injuries

Coccyx injuries are often extremely painful, so home care is aimed at controlling pain and avoiding further irritation to the coccyx.

HOME REMEDIES:

• Avoid sitting down for long periods of time. When on hard surfaces, alternate sitting on each side of the buttocks. Also, lean forward and direct your weight away from the tailbone.
• For traumatic injuries, apply ice to the tailbone area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for the first few days after the injury.
• Use ibuprofen (Advil), or a similar pain medicine, as directed on the label for pain control.
• You can purchase a “doughnut” cushion or pillow to sit on. This cushion has a hole in the middle of it to prevent the tailbone from contacting the flat surface.
• Eat foods high in fiber to soften stools and avoid constipation.

TREATMENT:

In addition to home care, a physician may be able to provide further relief of pain with other medical and, rarely, surgical interventions.

• Stronger pain medications may be prescribed at the discretion of your physician.
• Stool softeners may be prescribed to prevent constipation.
• Injections of local anesthetics or corticosteroids into the coccyx area are sometimes required to treat continuing pain.
• Rarely, the coccyx may surgically removed.