A broken tailbone can make even the simplest daily activities uncomfortable. Sitting, standing, bending, and sleeping may become painful after an injury to the tailbone. While some tailbone injuries involve bruising, a fracture can lead to more severe pain and a longer recovery period.
Understanding the symptoms of a broken tailbone can help you recognize when it may be time to seek medical attention after an accident.
What Is the Tailbone?
The tailbone, also called the coccyx, is located at the very bottom of the spine. It is made up of several small bones that help support your body while sitting and connect to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Because of its location, the tailbone can be injured in falls, car accidents, sports collisions, or other traumatic events.
A broken tailbone is often caused by direct impact to the lower back or buttocks area. Slipping on ice, falling down stairs, or being involved in a rear-end collision are common causes of this type of injury.
Common Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
The symptoms of a broken tailbone can vary depending on the severity of the fracture. Some people experience mild discomfort, while others have intense pain that interferes with everyday life.
Severe Pain While Sitting
One of the most common signs of a broken tailbone is pain when sitting. The discomfort may become worse when sitting on hard surfaces or leaning backward. Many people feel relief when standing or shifting their weight to one side.
Tenderness and Bruising
A fractured tailbone often causes tenderness in the lower spine area. You may notice swelling, bruising, or discoloration around the base of the spine. Touching the area can feel extremely painful.
Pain During Movement
Activities that involve movement of the pelvis or lower spine may increase discomfort. Standing up from a seated position, bending over, walking, or climbing stairs can become difficult after a tailbone fracture.
Pain During Bowel Movements
Because of the tailbone’s location near the pelvic floor muscles, some people experience pain during bowel movements. This symptom may indicate a more serious injury and should not be ignored.
Discomfort During Intimacy
In some cases, a broken tailbone may cause pain during sexual activity. The injury can place pressure on surrounding muscles and nerves, leading to ongoing discomfort.
Difficulty Sleeping
Sleeping may become challenging because lying on your back can put pressure directly on your tailbone. Many people with coccyx fractures have to sleep on their side or stomach to reduce pain.
Can You Recover Compensation After a Tailbone Injury?
If your broken tailbone was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a car accident, slip and fall, or unsafe property condition, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Tailbone injuries can disrupt your ability to work, drive, exercise, and enjoy normal activities. In some cases, the pain can become chronic and require ongoing treatment.
An experienced personal injury attorney can review the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and help determine whether you have a legal claim. Acting quickly after an accident can help preserve important evidence and protect your rights.
Contact a Bullhead City Personal Injury Lawyer at AJ Law, PLC for a Free Consultation
A broken tailbone can lead to serious pain, medical expenses, and disruptions to your daily life. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The team at AJ Law, PLC is here for you.
Contact us today at (602) 507-9901 for a free consultation with an experienced Bullhead City personal injury lawyer.
We proudly serve clients throughout the greater Phoenix area and communities across Arizona, with offices in Glendale, Bullhead City, and Tucson.
AJ Law, PLC – Phoenix 7201 N 7th St Suite B, Phoenix, AZ 85020 Open 24/7 (602) 671-2363
AJ Law, PLC – Glendale 5800 W Glenn Dr. Suite 130 Glendale, AZ 85301 Open 24/7 (602) 512-1280
AJ Law, PLC – Bullhead City 2580 AZ-95 #108, Bullhead City, AZ 86442 Open 24/7 (602) 507-9901
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