The tailbone is one of the body parts you don’t think about until something’s wrong with it, and a fracture there can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Usually, the tailbone breaks in accidents like car crashes and falls. It’s not always easy to tell if your tailbone is broken or just bruised, but knowing what symptoms to watch for can help.
Pain And Tenderness At The Base Of The Spine
Perhaps the most common sign of a fractured tailbone is a sharp or aching pain at the bottom of your spine. You’ll feel it especially when you sit down or move from sitting to standing. The pain tends to get worse if you lean backward or otherwise put pressure on the area. Some people describe it as a deep, throbbing ache that doesn’t go away.
The pain can be surprisingly intense and make certain daily tasks impossible. Getting out of bed, sitting in a car, and even walking around can be challenging. The tenderness often radiates to the surrounding muscles, causing stiffness and tightness in the lower back.
Trouble Sitting Or Finding A Comfortable Position
A broken tailbone can make sitting a nightmare. You could find yourself constantly shifting in your seat or leaning forward to keep pressure off the area. Some people find that using a cushion or sitting on one side helps, but the discomfort usually lingers no matter what.
For bad breaks, the pain can be so intense that it feels impossible to sit at all. When you can’t sit, working, traveling, and going about your daily life is hard. Likewise, it can be tough to manage any social activities.
Numbness Or Tingling In The Legs
Some people with a broken tailbone report feeling tingling or numbness that radiates down their legs. This can happen when the injured tailbone presses on the nearby nerves. The feeling can come and go or be a consistent, nagging problem.
It’s easy to overlook numbness, especially if your main focus is on managing the pain. However, if you notice your legs feeling “asleep” or tingling often, it’s a sign that your injury could be affecting your nerves.
Swelling And Bruising Around The Lower Back
If your tailbone is broken, you might notice bruising or swelling around the lower spine. Sometimes, the bruising doesn’t show up right away, especially if the injury is more internal. Even if there’s no visible bruise, swelling in the soft tissues can cause pain and stiffness. Putting pressure on the area often makes the pain more intense.
Trouble With Bowel Movements
A broken tailbone can make going to the bathroom very painful. The tailbone is located close to the rectum, so any injury to that area can lead to discomfort during bowel movements. Some people might even deal with constipation because of the pain or the fear of straining too hard and making the injury worse.
If you notice changes in your bathroom habits or discover that it’s tough to go without experiencing pain, it could be a direct result of your tailbone injury. Addressing this symptom with your doctor can help prevent additional complications and make your recovery more manageable.
When The Pain Just Won’t Quit
A broken tailbone can be physically and mentally draining. While some cases heal naturally, others may require medical attention, particularly if the pain is intense or paired with numbness or tingling. If you think you’ve injured your tailbone, a doctor can help develop a treatment plan to support your recovery and get you back to your routine.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
While these laws may seem strange, they reflect Missouri’s historical efforts to maintain public order and safety. It’s important to be aware of such laws, even if they’re rarely enforced, to avoid potential legal issues.
For more information, contact the best personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers. We proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
