Traumatic incidents, such as slip and falls, car crashes, and assaults, can all cause you to sustain injuries in areas of your body that you may not pay too much attention to. One of these is the tailbone. This part of your body is relatively small but can cause pain and stiffness if it breaks.
Keep reading to learn more about a broken tailbone and whether you can file a personal injury claim.
Broken Tailbone: Symptoms and Causes
A broken tailbone, which is medically known as a coccygeal fracture, can occur when the small bone at the end of your spine cracks. The tailbone is weight-bearing. When you sit, its function is to stabilize and distribute your weight. It also functions as an attachment point for many muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the lower body, including the pelvic floor.
Fracturing the tailbone can result in symptoms such as:
- Intense localized pain, which can be dull or sharp
- Physical tenderness to the touch around the lower spine
- Discoloration of the area
- Pain during sexual intercourse and bowel movements
- Trouble walking or staying in one position for too long
- If nearby nerves are affected, numbness that spreads down the leg
- Inability to rest comfortably on your back
Falls in which you land directly on your buttocks can result in a broken tailbone. The same is true of any high-impact accident in which that area of your body gets hit. Women can suffer these injuries during childbirth as the baby’s head passes through the birth canal because of the pressure it puts on the tailbone.
Repetitive strain can also cause these injuries. Activities such as cycling or rowing can place significant pressure on the tailbone.
Diagnosing and Treating a Broken Tailbone
Your doctor will consider your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. They will palpate the tailbone to determine whether there is swelling and where the acute pain is located. In some instances, an intrarectal assessment will be performed to assess the position of the bone and determine whether there is any movement or bone fractures.
X-rays are usually needed. Your doctor will have them taken with you standing and sitting so that they can compare alignment and spot where the fracture may be. If there is concern for ligament or tendon issues, or the X-rays are inconclusive, your doctor may order an MRI or CT scan.
Unlike other types of bone breaks, a tailbone fracture can’t be put in a cast. Treatment options will generally focus on pain relief and cushioning to allow the bone to heal. Hot and cold therapy can help reduce swelling, and physical therapy, including pelvic floor exercises, can help prevent stiffness from developing.
Only in the most severe cases is surgery considered. It is appropriate if the bone doesn’t heal or causes persistent and serious pain.
Most broken tailbones heal within four to 12 weeks. However, there could be symptoms that last for longer.
You May Be Able to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Broken Tailbone
After experiencing an accident that leaves you with a broken tailbone, pursuing a personal injury claim may be one of your options. These civil procedures can result in the recovery of economic and non-economic damages to address your losses.
Because you will have to demonstrate that negligence or wrongful conduct occurred, you will need experienced legal assistance by your side. With guidance, you will have a better chance of recovering what you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact the Morgantown Personal Injury Lawyers at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If someone else’s negligence caused the accident in which you broke your tailbone, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury law and can explain your rights and options after learning more about what happened to you.
For more information, contact the Morgantown personal injury lawyers at Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation at (304) 225-5990.