A broken tailbone is one of those injuries you don’t think about until it happens to you. Then, every movement is a reminder of just how much you rely on that small bone at the base of your spine. The pain can be sharp, dull, or radiating, and it can make simple things like standing, sitting, and even lying down uncomfortable.
The following are some of the telltale symptoms of a broken tailbone:
Pain That Gets Worse When Sitting
Perhaps the clearest sign of a broken tailbone is pain that gets worse when you sit down, especially on hard surfaces. The pressure on the injured bone can cause a sharp or throbbing discomfort. Some people find relief by leaning forward or shifting their weight to one side, but the pain lingers regardless of how they sit.
Sitting for long periods often makes it worse. Even after standing up, the ache can continue for hours.
Swelling and Bruising
After a fall or direct impact, the area around the tailbone can become swollen and bruised. The discoloration can range from a deep purple to a dull greenish-yellow as the injury heals. Swelling can make it challenging and painful to move and potentially interfere with daily activities.
This symptom doesn’t always show up right away. A person might not notice any bruising immediately, but it usually becomes more visible in the days after the accident.
Painful Bowel Movements
The tailbone sits near the rectum, so any pressure on that area can make bowel movements uncomfortable. Some people describe it as a deep, aching sensation, while others feel sharp pain whenever they try to go to the bathroom.
Constipation can become a secondary problem when people try to avoid bowel movements to escape the pain, which only makes things worse.
Discomfort During Intimate Activity
Because of the tailbone’s location, sexual activity can also become a cause of pain after a fracture. The discomfort isn’t so bad for some people, but others can experience sharp or shooting pangs. While this symptom is often overlooked, it’s a common issue for those with a broken tailbone.
Feeling Physically Unstable
Some people describe a sensation of feeling “loose” in the lower back or sacral area, almost like the bone isn’t as stable as it should be. The feeling can make bending, twisting, and even walking awkward and unnatural, which can be unsettling and present pain or discomfort in certain positions.
Pain When Moving From Sitting To Standing
Going from sitting to standing can be a challenge with a fractured tailbone. The shift in weight distribution and pressure can send a wave of pain radiating through the lower back and hips. Sometimes, the discomfort is sharp and stabbing; other times, it’s a deep ache that spreads gradually outward. Either way, it can make it tough to get out of bed or exit a vehicle.
Numbness Or Tingling In the Lower Back Or Legs
Pain might be the most common symptom, but numbness and tingling (neuropathy) in the back, rear end, and legs can also be a problem. This is more likely to happen if the injury has affected the nearby nerves.
Neuropathy is characterized by the universally known “pins and needles” sensation, while numbness can feel like a dull, heavy weight in the region of the fracture. If this happens, it could mean that swelling is pressing on the surrounding nerves, making the injury more complicated.
Get the Help You Need if You Have Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
Not every tailbone injury is a fracture. In some cases, the bone may just be bruised, and the pain will go away over time. However, if symptoms don’t get better or become more pronounced, it’s best to see a doctor.
Ignoring an injured tailbone can lead to long-term problems like chronic pain and mobility issues. It may be a small bone, but it plays a big role in stability and movement.
Contact a Baton Rouge, LA Personal Injury Lawyer from Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
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