Coccyx or tailbone injury is a painful condition in the lower back. Find out causes, symptoms, and possible treatments for this kind of back pain.

Tailbone Injury Overview

The tailbone also called the coccyx is a triangular shaped bone located right at the end of your vertebral column. The tailbone has three to five parts or segments as they are called which are held together by ligaments and joints.

An injury to the tailbone also can result in pain and lots of mobility issues which is called 'coccydynia'. Injuries to your coccyx may include break, bruise, dislocations etc. However despite the fact that coccyx injuries can take time to heal but can be sorted out with good conservative forms of treatment.

The vast majority of injuries to the coccyx region happen to occur mainly in women owing to their broader pelvis and an exposed coccyx.

Causes of Tailbone Injury

The vast majority of tailbone injuries are due to trauma to coccyx or tailbone region.

Falling on the tailbone in a sitting position or against a solid surface is what mostly causes tailbone injuries and pain.

A direct blunt force blow to the coccyx usually during full contact sports can also cause injury and pain.

The coccyx may also be fractured or bruis

ed during delivery of a child.

A repetitive form of friction against your coccyx such like the ones in activities like rowing can injure it.

At times the cause may be unknown.

Other uncommon forms of coccyx pain may include spurs, nerve compression or even injuries to the spinal column, tumors and local infections.

Symptoms of Tailbone Injury

Severe pain followed by tenderness in and around the coccyx region.

A traumatic injury may cause visible bruising.

The pain can become worse if sitting for a long time or when pressure is directly applied to the area.

Straining to get the bowel moving can also be painful.

Women may also experience pain at times of sexual intercourse.

When you should see a doctor?

If you notice symptoms similar to the ones described above or have a mysterious and unexplained discomfort around the tailbone it is time to see a doctor. The doctor will find out if the injury was traumatic or whether if the discomfort is the result of something else.

Coccyx injuries rarely require that you are admitted to the emergency ward of a hospital. However if the person is unable to get to their doctor or have no doctor nearby then depending on their symptoms, it would be a good idea to visit the closes emergency ward of a hospital.