Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | August 1, 2025 | Personal Injury
A broken tailbone, also called a coccyx fracture, causes intense pain and discomfort. Early symptoms often point to a serious injury that needs medical care. Common signs include pain when sitting, bruising or swelling near the base of the spine, and pain during bowel movements. Some people may also experience numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in the legs or lower back.
Keep reading to learn more about what causes tailbone injuries, how they’re diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.
Pain While Sitting or Standing
Pain during sitting or standing often points to a tailbone injury. Shifts in position offer no relief. Some surfaces make it worse. Hard floors, firm chairs, or soft seats with poor support increase the pressure.
Pain may spread to nearby parts of the lower back and hips. Sharp aches may appear during rest or physical effort. Many people start to avoid sitting altogether. This change disrupts work, meals, and travel. Long periods of standing may strain the hips or spine. Weight shifts become more frequent during routine tasks.
Everyday actions like sitting through a meeting or eating dinner may cause pain. If discomfort interferes with your daily life, seek help. A doctor may suggest treatment that protects the tailbone and allows healing to begin.
Bruising Near the Base of the Spine
Bruising around the base of the spine often shows up after trauma. Discoloration near the coccyx usually appears after a fall or direct impact. The area may feel sore or tender when touched. Sitting or lying down often makes the pain worse.
Swelling may accompany the bruising. The skin near the tailbone may look raised or feel hot. This response points to tissue damage near the injury site. If the bruising darkens or spreads, you should inform your provider.
Swelling Around the Tailbone
Swelling near the coccyx often follows blunt force trauma. Blood and fluids rush to the injured tissue, which causes inflammation. The size of the swelling may shift over time.
Long periods of pressure often make it worse. Clothes that hug the hips or waist may cause discomfort. Some pants or belts press on the swollen area. Looser clothing may help reduce friction and pain.
Trouble With Bowel Movements
Tailbone fractures often affect bowel movements. The coccyx sits near the pelvic floor, which supports the lower digestive organs. An injury may press against these muscles and trigger pain during bowel activity.
Some people avoid using the bathroom due to the pain. This delay increases strain and worsens the condition. Constipation often follows, which creates harder stool and raises pressure on the tailbone.
Pain That Worsens With Pressure
Tailbone injuries often hurt more when you sit. Direct pressure triggers sharp or throbbing pain. Tasks like working at a desk, riding in a car, or eating meals may grow difficult. Even shifting positions or standing up from a seated posture can cause a sudden spike in pain.
Diagnosis and Imaging Tests
Doctors begin the evaluation process of determining if you have a broken tailbone with a physical exam. They may ask you to describe the injury and locate the pain. A light press on the area often reveals swelling or tenderness. They may order X-rays to confirm the break if the injury feels severe.
Some cases require MRI scans. These scans detect bruised tissue and hairline cracks that X-rays may miss. A provider may also use scans to check for other causes of back pain.
Once the doctor reviews the scans, they will explain the injury and outline your options. Some tailbone fractures heal on their own. Others need therapy, medication, or in rare cases, surgery.
Contact the Sandusky Personal Injury Lawyers at Wiseheart Wright Trial Lawyers for Help Today
If someone else caused your tailbone injury, a Sandusky personal injury attorney may help you recover damages. At Wiseheart Wright Trial Lawyers, we can review your case and explain your rights under the law.
Our team understands the pain and disruption caused by a broken tailbone. Missed work, medical bills, and daily discomfort often follow. We review your records, gather facts, and speak with witnesses. If someone acted carelessly, we can pursue compensation for lost wages, pain, or care costs. Schedule your free consultation today.
For more information, contact the Sandusky personal injury law firm of Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
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