Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers | May 29, 2025 | Personal Injury
A broken tailbone can cause sharp pain and limit your ability to move or sit. The injury usually affects the coccyx, which sits at the base of the spine. You may notice symptoms right away after a fall or blow to the lower back. Some signs may appear more slowly as inflammation builds. Read on to learn the possible symptoms of a broken tailbone.
Understanding Tailbone Injuries
A tailbone injury can be painful and disruptive to daily life. Whether caused by a fall, accident, or another form of trauma, a broken tailbone often produces several uncomfortable symptoms.
If you suspect you’ve injured your coccyx, watch for the following signs that may indicate a fracture or break:
Pain at the Base of the Spine
Pain in the lower spine often signals a fracture in the coccyx. The pain may stay in one spot or shoot into the hips or thighs. You may feel sharp pain when you try to sit, bend, or rise from a chair. The discomfort increases when you rest on hard surfaces or shift weight from side to side. Pain relievers and cushions may help, but symptoms may continue for weeks.
Bruising Around the Tailbone
Bruising often follows direct trauma to the tailbone. You may see discoloration at the base of the spine or feel tenderness in that area. The bruise may stretch across the buttocks or lower back. It often appears after damage to blood vessels beneath the skin. The presence of a bruise may point to a more serious tailbone injury.
Swelling Near the Coccyx
Swelling near the tailbone usually results from the body’s response to trauma. This may cause heat, pressure, or tightness around the coccyx. It may be hard to sit still or move without pain. The swelling may worsen after long periods of sitting or during certain movements. Ice and rest can help reduce the inflammation.
Pain While Sitting
A broken tailbone often makes sitting feel unbearable. Pressure on the coccyx from a chair or seat can cause stabbing pain. You may shift often to reduce pressure or avoid sitting altogether. Hard surfaces tend to make the pain worse. Donut cushions and soft chairs may offer temporary relief, but the pain may persist without treatment.
Pain During Bowel Movements
Tailbone pain often flares during bowel movements. Pressure in the pelvic region can cause sharp pain as stool passes. You may avoid using the restroom to escape the discomfort. This often leads to constipation, increasing the strain on the tailbone. Pain during this process often stems from inflammation near pelvic nerves and muscles.
Discomfort When Standing Up
You may feel pain when you rise from a chair. That first moment of standing often brings a sharp jolt to the base of your spine. The movement may strain injured tissues or shift your weight onto the coccyx. This symptom tends to affect people who sit for long hours. The pain may ease with slow, steady movement or targeted exercises.
Tenderness to the Touch
You may feel pain when you touch the area near the tailbone. Even light pressure can trigger sharp discomfort. This tenderness may spread to nearby muscles or soft tissue. You may avoid contact with that part of your back or sit in an unusual position to protect it. This reaction often signals inflammation or a bone fracture.
Common Causes of Tailbone Injuries
Most tailbone fractures result from direct impact. Falls from a standing position often lead to coccyx injuries, especially if you land on a hard surface. Slippery floors, icy sidewalks, and uneven ground increase the risk. Workplace injuries and motor vehicle crashes may also cause fractures. In some cases, childbirth or repeated strain from cycling can lead to breaks.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced lawyer at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Columbus, OH, and Charleston, WV.
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Columbus, OH Office
20 E Broad St Suite 1000, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 587-8423
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 39.96270905583009, -82.99956356191063
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Charleston, WV Office
10 Hale St Suite 501, Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 720-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.348382927211865, -81.635109451865