Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone

When people think of accident-related injuries, they often picture brain trauma or spinal cord damage. But one commonly overlooked injury is a broken tailbone, or coccyx fracture. Despite its small size, this bone plays an important role—and injuries to it can be painful, disruptive, and legally actionable.

If your injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Tailbone?

The tailbone, medically known as the coccyx, is located at the very bottom of your spine. It’s made up of three to five small vertebrae fused together and serves several important functions:

• Supports body weight when sitting
• Aids in balance
• Provides attachment for muscles, ligaments, and tendons
• Contains nerve endings that make injuries especially painful

Can You Break Your Tailbone?

Yes. While sprains and bruises are more common, a strong enough impact—such as from a fall or car crash—can fracture the coccyx.

Common Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone

You may have a broken tailbone if you’re experiencing:

• Persistent pain in the lower back or tailbone area
• Swelling or bruising near the coccyx
• Increased pain when sitting or transitioning from sitting to standing
• Pain during bowel movements or sexual activity
• Numbness or tingling down one or both legs

These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. Even if the pain seems mild, it may worsen or lead to long-term complications if left untreated.

Diagnosing and Treating a Broken Tailbone

Medical professionals typically begin by asking about:

• Recent accidents or injuries
• Your medical history
• The nature and duration of your pain

They may perform a physical examination and order X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment options may include:

• Rest and avoiding prolonged sitting
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers
• Use of a donut cushion to reduce pressure
• Hot/cold therapy
• Limited physical activity

In severe cases, especially if the bone heals improperly or causes chronic pain, surgical removal of part or all of the tailbone may be required.

💡 Healing Timeline: Most tailbone injuries take 8–12 weeks to heal, but this varies based on the severity of the fracture and individual recovery rates.

What Causes Tailbone Injuries?

The coccyx is protected by soft tissue and muscle, but it's still vulnerable in certain types of accidents, including:

• Car accidents (rear-end collisions are especially common culprits)
• Slip and fall accidents
• Pedestrian or bicycle crashes
• Sports injuries or workplace falls

If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to seek legal compensation.

Seeking Compensation for a Broken Tailbone in Georgia

Tailbone injuries may seem minor—but they can interfere with your ability to sit, work, drive, and enjoy daily life. If your injury was caused by another person’s carelessness or a hazardous condition, you may be able to pursue damages such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life

Get Help From a Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer