Tailbone Injury

Call 911 if:

• There are signs of spinal cord injury along with tailbone injury caused by a fall.
• Symptoms of spinal cord injury include:
• Severe neck or back pain
• Paralysis in part of the body
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Weakness in the legs or arms
• Numbness

If any of these symptoms are present, avoid moving the person and call 911.

1. Reduce Pain and Pressure

• Ice tailbone every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days or until pain goes away.
• Give an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.
• Have the person use a "doughnut cushion" (from a medical supply store) or small inflatable inner tube when sitting.
• Avoid constipation. Give plenty of fluids and fiber in diet. The short-term use of a laxative might be necessary.

2. See a Health Care Provider

3. Follow Up

• The health care provider will do an X-ray and possibly an MRI, CT scan, or bone scan to check for fracture.
• Usually, continued home treatment is recommended.

SOURCES:
Kaiser Permanente: "Injury to the Tailbone (Coccyx)" and "Spinal Injury."
University of Buffalo Sports Medicine: "What is a Tailbone Injury?"
Cleveland Clinic: "Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)."