I had a very bad fall 3 years ago down a stone stairwell, i went to the hospital but they said it was pointless doing an exray because even if it’s broken they can’t do anything for my tailbone.

3 years on and i’m still in agony, i am a receptionist and if i take anymore time off due to the pain i will lose my job. My partner often gives me a back massage to try and ease the pain and says when he goes over the bottom of my back he can feel a piece of bone that moves when he touches it.

Is it true nothing can be done and i will have to live like this for the rest of my life? I’m only 30 years old and don’t think i could handle it.

Answered by: Maria/ MD Health Forum.com Team

Thank you for your question. It must have been really difficult to do your job with the discomfort that you’ve been experiencing. Although self-care measures may help alleviate the pain, I think it’s still best to seek medical consultation to determine the extent of your injury and look into possible treatment options.

Your tailbone or coccyx is made up of three to five smaller bones located at the end of your spine. The most common cause of coccyx injury is a fall onto the tailbone, usually against a hard surface. Direct blow to the tailbone, childbirth and activities that cause repetitive straining or friction against the coccyx are also among the causes of tailbone injury. In some cases, the cause of coccyx injuries is unknown. The less common causes of tailbone injuries include bone spurs or the formation of bony growth on normal bone, injuries to other parts of the spine, compression of nerve roots, local infections, and tumors.

Severe pain and tenderness in the tailbone area are among the symptoms of coccyx injury. The pain usually gets worse when in sitting for prolonged periods and when pressure is applied to the tailbone area. Other symptoms include painful bowel movements and straining, and some women may experience pain during sexual intercourse.

The cause tailbone injury is largely determined by medical history and a physical examination. Diagnostic tests such as x-rays may also be requested by the doctor. Your entire vertebral spine may be examined. Your doctor may also do a neurological examination. Dislocation and fracture may also be determined by doing a rectal examination. For this test, your doctor will insert a finger into your rectum to feel the area of your tailbone. dislocation or a fracture that can be felt and if direct pressure against the coccyx causes you pain.

X-rays may be taken to find out whether there is a fracture or dislocation. I’ve read that occasionally those injuries can not be seen in the x-ray. To better determine the presence of injuries, some doctors recommend x-rays are taken in both the standing and seated positions. If x-rays do not show the cause of persistent discomfort, a magnetic resonance imaging may be considered.

I think you should visit your doctor for physical examination and other tests. There are many ways to manage tailbone pain. Conservative treatment includes using a “doughnut” or coccyx pillow, modifying chair height, seat tilt, and cushioning, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Stronger pain killers may be prescribed at your doctor’s discretion. Stool softeners may also be recommended to prevent discomfort during bowel movement. People suffering from coccyx pain are instructed to observe proper postural or body mechanics. Persistent pain in the tailbone area may be treated with physical therapy.

If medications, therapy and home treatment would not provide any relief, referral to other medical or surgical specialists may be considered.

This blog entry is for your general information only. I recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your own doctor.

References:
Maigne, R. Nieves, w. 2006. Diagnosis and treatment of pain of vertebral origin. Taylor & Francis Group.
http://www.mdguidelines.com/coccydynia/treatment
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/tailbone_coccyx_injury/article_em.htm

Tags: coccyx pain, tailbone pain

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