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Tailbone trauma

Coccyx injury

 

Tailbone trauma is an injury to the small bone at the lower tip of the spine.

Considerations

 

Actual fractures of the tailbone (coccyx) are not common. Tailbone trauma usually involves bruising of the bone or pulling of the ligaments.

 

Causes

 

Backward falls onto a hard surface, such as a slippery floor or ice, are the most common cause of this injury.

 

Symptoms

 

  • Bruising on the lower part of the spine
  • Pain when sitting or putting pressure on the tailbone

 

First Aid

 

For tailbone trauma when no spinal cord injury is suspected:

  • Relieve pressure on the tailbone by sitting on an inflatable rubber ring or cushions.
  • Take acetaminophen for pain.
  • Take a stool softener to avoid constipation.

If you suspect injury to the neck or spine, do not attempt to move the person.

 

Do Not

 

Do NOT attempt to move the person if you think there may be injury to the spinal cord.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call for immediate medical help if:

  • Spinal cord injury is suspected
  • The person can't move
  • Pain is severe

 

Prevention

 

  • Do NOT run on slippery surfaces, such as around a swimming pool.
  • Dress in shoes with good tread or slip-resistant soles, especially in snow or on ice.

 

 

References

Choi SB, Cwinn AA. Pelvic trauma. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 55.

Vora A, Yin AX. Coccydynia. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 103.

 
  • Tailbone (coccyx) - illustration

    The tailbone (coccyx) is the small bone at the lower tip of the spine. The most common cause of injury to the tailbone is a backward fall onto a hard surface, such as a slippery floor or ice.

    Tailbone (coccyx)

    illustration

    • Tailbone (coccyx) - illustration

      The tailbone (coccyx) is the small bone at the lower tip of the spine. The most common cause of injury to the tailbone is a backward fall onto a hard surface, such as a slippery floor or ice.

      Tailbone (coccyx)

      illustration

    Self Care

     

    Tests for Tailbone trauma

     

       

      Review Date: 1/12/2016

      Reviewed By: Dennis Ogiela, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Danbury Hospital, Danbury, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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