Treatment of Pain in the Tailbone
Traumatic injuries suffered in a car accident can be serious. One example involves injuries to the tailbone. The coccyx, commonly called the tailbone, is located at the bottom of the spinal cord. Because of its location, it is a common site for severe pain following traumatic accidents.
Common Causes of the Pain in the Tailbone
Tailbone pain is one of the most common locations for discomfort. Some of the primary causes of pain in this region include:
- Traumatic events such as auto accidents, motorcycle collisions, or bicycle accidents.
- Fall injuries such as those on a wet floor or an icy sidewalk.
- Infections of this area, such as decubitus ulcers.
- Sprains of pelvic muscles and ligaments.
These mechanisms can lead to bruises, fractures, and even dislocations of the coccyx. If an individual presents with pain in this location, a detailed physical exam is needed to determine the exact location of the pain. Imaging using x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs might also be used to ensure that fractures and dislocations aren’t missed. After this, the treatment process can move forward.
Treatment Options for Tailbone Pain
If someone has chronic pain in his or her tailbone, there are several different treatment options which may provide some relief. Some of the examples of conservative treatment options include:
Cushions: One of the first options that doctors may recommend is the use of a wedge-shaped cushion. This will relieve some of the pressure on the coccyx. If the tailbone is still in pain, a donut-shaped cushion could also be used; however, this cushion isolates the tailbone and actually places more pressure on the structures around the coccyx. This could lead to pain in these locations.
Medications: In addition to inexpensive cushions, anti-inflammatory medications are also used. These include Tylenol and Motrin. These are more effective for acute pain and less effective for chronic pain.
If these options fail to provide relief, there are some more invasive treatments. Some of the examples include:
Physical Therapy: Individuals who suffer from chronic coccyx pain should think about physical therapy programs. These are used to strengthen the muscles of the pelvis. This can help relieve some of the stress on the coccyx.
Injections: In severe cases, injections of pain-relieving medicine can help make the tailbone feel better. If these injections are required, they are almost always performed with imaging guidance. This is important to make sure that the needle does not damage any of the essential structures near the coccyx.
In addition to medical care, other trained professionals can help individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Watch YouTube Video: How to Tell if You Have a Broken Tailbone (Fractured Coccyx). This video describes the primary sign of a broken tailbone and its diagnosis.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer
Severe pain in the tailbone, particularly following a traumatic accident, can adversely affect someone’s quality of life. Family members and loved ones likely have more questions than answers. One of the people that they can look to for help is a trained personal injury lawyer in Stockton. A compassionate injury attorney will be able to:
- Act as an objective presence to assist families in making difficult decisions during a challenging time.
- Negotiate with various financial institutions to ensure that bills are paid and benefits are disbursed.
- Assist families who are interested in seeking damages related to physical pain, emotional distress, and suffering.
- Shift a case to the courtroom when necessary.
Families need to know that they are not alone during this difficult time. There are trained professionals who are able to provide assistance. Meet with a Stockton personal injury lawyer today. You and your loved ones could be owed a significant financial settlement.
Stockton Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Stockton. Pain in the tailbone can be debilitating and difficult to treat. Individuals who are dealing with pain in their tailbone or lower back area should contact me at their convenience at (800) 404-5400 or (209) 227-1931 to receive free, friendly legal advice.
I am proud to be an attorney in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
Everyone is welcome to read through a selection of our verdicts or settlements here.
Our client reviews are on Yelp, Avvo, & Google.
Image Attribution: Following the Creative Commons License, the image presented at the beginning of this article was located originally on Deposit Photos and has been printed at this location.
:dr 0p cha [cs 758]