Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone usually develop immediately after trauma, though in some cases, the pain builds gradually. The most common symptoms of a broken tailbone include sharp or aching pain at the base of the spine, difficulty sitting, tenderness, and discomfort during bowel movements. Recognising these symptoms early helps avoid chronic issues and speeds up recovery.
The hallmark symptom is pain located just above the buttocks. This pain often feels sharp or stabbing when moving from sitting to standing, and dull or aching when sitting for long periods. It may worsen during certain activities such as bending, lifting, or using the toilet.
Many patients describe extreme discomfort when sitting on hard surfaces. Prolonged sitting without a cushion intensifies the pain. In response, people often shift weight to one side, which can lead to poor posture and secondary pain in the hips or lower back.
Tenderness and bruising over the coccyx are common, particularly after direct trauma. Touching the area or applying pressure may trigger a sharp response. In some cases, swelling is visible, and wearing tight clothing may aggravate the discomfort.
Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
Pain during bowel movements can also be a symptom. The muscles used in defecation attach near the coccyx, and the act of pushing may irritate the injury. Some people may avoid passing stools due to fear of pain, which increases the risk of constipation.
In rare cases, the pain may radiate down the legs or into the pelvis. Women may feel discomfort during intercourse, as the coccyx moves slightly during pelvic muscle engagement.
Psychological effects such as frustration, anxiety, or depression may also arise in chronic cases. When sitting becomes difficult or sleep is interrupted due to pain, quality of life suffers.
Identifying symptoms of a broken tailbone early allows for proper care. If pain persists for more than a few days after a fall, or worsens instead of improving, medical evaluation is recommended to rule out serious complications.
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