The tailbone is a triangular bone that sits at the base of the spine. Although it’s small, it plays a significant role in maintaining your stability when you sit, stand, and shift positions. When it becomes injured, it can cause intense pain that lingers far longer than you might expect.
Because tailbone injuries aren’t as common as some other forms of harm, people often ignore the symptoms or pass them off as general back pain. However, a tailbone fracture has some telltale signs that shouldn’t be ignored.
Pain That Gets Worse When You Sit
One of the most common indications of a broken tailbone is pain while sitting, especially on hard surfaces. The discomfort tends to get worse the longer you sit, and you’ll likely find yourself shifting around or leaning to one side to avoid putting pressure on the injured area.
This type of pain isn’t subtle, either. Most people describe it as feeling like a deep ache or stabbing sensation. It doesn’t ease up quickly and may flare up even with minor movements, such as leaning forward or backward.
Discomfort When Going To The Bathroom Or While Having Sex
The tailbone is connected to the muscles in the pelvic floor, so when it’s injured, those muscles can also experience a lot of pain. Straining during bowel movements can be especially uncomfortable. You might even try to put off going to the bathroom entirely because of the pain.
Discomfort during sex is also common, particularly for women. Many people are hesitant to mention this, but it’s a clear indication that the injury is more severe than a simple bruise.
Tingling, Numbness, Or Radiating Pain
Sometimes, the nerves around a tailbone fracture can become irritated, which can cause tingling or numbness in the lower back, buttocks, or legs. Radiating pain is also possible, starting at the tailbone and shooting down one or both legs.
This symptom is often confused with sciatica or general back pain. However, if it starts after a fall or other accident, a tailbone fracture might be the real problem.
Bruising Or Swelling At The Base Of The Spine
Visible swelling or bruises just above the rear is another sign. The area might feel tender to the touch or look visibly discolored. Swelling may take time to appear, but it can develop in the hours or days following the accident.
Bruising is sometimes mild, while in other cases, it may be dark and clearly connected to physical trauma. It’s easy to assume it’s a soft tissue injury at first, but if the pain doesn’t improve or gets worse, a fracture could be the reason.
Difficulty With Regular Movement
Basic movements often become challenging with a broken tailbone. Daily life can be awkward and painful when you have trouble walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of your car. Even getting out of bed or standing up from a chair can take longer and involve lots of bracing and wincing.
Contact Eason Car Accident And Personal Injury Lawyers For A Free Consultation With A Richmond Heights Personal Injury Lawyer
A broken tailbone can quietly upend your daily life, making even simple movements exhausting and painful. When you’re dealing with an injury like this, you need more than just pain relief. The disruption to your quality of life deserves proper attention and compensation.
If someone else’s negligence brought about your accident, you shouldn’t be left to deal with the physical, emotional, or financial fallout on your own.
For more information, please contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO, today. We have two convenient locations in Missouri, including St. Louis and Richmond Heights.
We proudly serve St. Louis County and its surrounding areas.
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
10 S Broadway #560
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 932-1066
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Richmond Heights Office
1034 S Brentwood Blvd Penthouse 1-C
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 463-4173
