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The tailbone is a small triangle-shaped bone at the very base of your spine. It’s easy to forget it’s there until something goes wrong with it. When your tailbone breaks, the pain might hit hard and stick around for a while.
The symptoms aren’t always so dramatic, though. Some are easily brushed off, but ignoring them can make for complications and a longer recovery period.
A broken tailbone almost always causes pain. It usually starts as sharp and immediate at the time of the injury, which is often a slip and fall because of dangerous property conditions. Over time, it can turn into a deep ache that doesn’t let up.
This pain may tend to get worse when sitting down or as you stand up after sitting for a time. Even lying down on your back can become uncomfortable. Depending on how you move, the pain can feel dull one moment and stabbing the next.
If your tailbone was bruised rather than broken, the pain should start to ease up within a few days. In contrast, the pain of a broken tailbone is persistent. If it hasn’t improved at all after a week or gets worse, it’s best not to ignore it.
If your tailbone is broken, the area around it may look puffy or feel warm to the touch. That’s the body’s natural response to trauma. This swelling may not be obvious through clothing, but you’ll probably notice it when you sit or touch the area.
Not all breaks cause visible bruises, but when they do, it’s usually because of a strong impact. Discoloration might appear just above the tailbone area. It may be a deep purple or blue at first. In time, it may turn brown or yellow as it begins to fade.
The discomfort from a tailbone injury doesn’t always stay in one spot. Tingling and numbness can travel down into your legs, especially if swelling puts pressure on the nearby nerves. In the worst cases, people who break their tailbones describe a shooting pain that runs through their rear end or down one of their legs.
This symptom may not show up immediately. Nerve pain can take days to develop, and if it gets worse or messes with your balance, chances are good you’re dealing with more than just a bruise.
It can be tough to sit in one place for any length of time with a broken tailbone. People with this injury often shift around a lot as they try to find a position that doesn’t hurt. Simple things like getting in and out of a car, tying your shoes, or leaning forward could become a struggle.
If you find yourself avoiding sitting or leaning back, or if you’re constantly shifting in your seat, the injury could be more than just soreness. This restlessness could be a silent sign that something’s not right with your tailbone.
The tailbone sits close to the muscles and nerves that control the bowels and bladder. When the bone is fractured, those functions can be affected. Some people develop constipation, pain while using the bathroom, or trouble urinating. While these symptoms don’t happen to everyone, they’re a clear indicator that the injury is serious.
Tailbone injuries are easy to underestimate. Pay attention to how your body responds in the days after the accident. If the pain prevents you from doing things you normally do or if it seems to be getting worse instead of better, it may be time to see a doctor.
If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland personal injury lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve all throughout Multnomah County in Oregon. Visit our office at:
Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 773-3333
Hours: Open 24/7
