Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone

David Muñoz | July 1, 2023 | Personal Injury

If you were involved in a car crash or any other type of accident – and you’ve been experiencing pain – you might be surprised to learn that what you assumed was soreness or bruising might actually be an underlying sign of a broken bone. 

Though you may not always notice it, you use your tailbone a lot, so it might shock you to hear that yours can be broken without even realizing it. If you’ve experienced a broken tailbone, you can find yourself dealing with hefty medical bills and long-term pain that hinders your ability to return to work or fully enjoy your life. 

When a broken tailbone results from someone else’s negligence, though, you can seek compensation for your physical and emotional damages with the help of a personal injury lawyer. 

Common Causes of a Broken Tailbone

Any type of accident can result in a broken tailbone, but it is an injury that is more common in some situations than in others. Falls and car accidents, for instance, are two of the most common causes of a tailbone injury. 

In an accident that involves a fall, it’s common to land on your bottom, which can cause trauma to the coccyx, the bone commonly referred to as the tailbone. 

Similarly, in car accidents, the force of the impact often causes a driver or passenger to dislodge from their seat and then drop back down with a hard impact, leading to bruising or even a tailbone fracture.

Signs of a Broken Tailbone

Broken tailbones aren’t always immediately apparent, but severe pain is definitely a sign that your bone is fractured. 

Many other signs can also indicate a tailbone break, even if the pain isn’t severe, including: 

  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Difficulty sitting or walking
  • Limited mobility
  • Bruising
  • Weakness or numbness in the back or legs
  • Pain or difficulty with bowel movements
  • Issues with bladder control

If you experience tailbone pain or other symptoms that linger or worsen rather than improve over time, they are likely strong signs that your tailbone might be fractured. If you suspect you have a broken or injured tailbone, consult a doctor right away. 

How a Broken Tailbone Is Treated

Diagnosing a broken tailbone can be done in a few different ways, with X-rays and rectal exams being the most common. However, some injuries may require additional testing, such as an MRI diagnosis.

Once a doctor has identified that your tailbone is broken, they’ll recommend resting until the injury heals. They might also recommend alternating between applying ice and heat, using a special pillow, or taking over-the-counter pain medications. 

If you work a desk job, a doctor may recommend using a standing desk to continue working. If your job requires physical activity, you’ll likely have to take time off work until your tailbone injury has healed. 

It’s rare to require surgery to help a tailbone heal, but in some cases, it may be necessary.

Gaining Personal Injury Compensation for a Broken Tailbone

A tailbone injury can seriously impact both your finances and your quality of life. But thankfully, you can consult a personal injury lawyer to learn whether you have grounds for gaining compensation for a tailbone injury. 

They can help you recover compensation through another driver’s insurance policy after a car accident or through a building or business owner after a fall by way of a personal injury claim. This can cover the costs of your medical bills and lost wages. 

If your injuries lead to chronic pain or place lasting limitations on your mobility, your compensation can also cover items like future wages, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life.  

You have options after suffering a broken tailbone. Promptly identifying the injury and getting medical attention is necessary, both for proper healing and to recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Chula Vista Personal Injury Law Firm of Mission Personal Injury Lawyers Today To Get More Information

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. Contact our personal injury law office in El Paso for legal assistance today.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000