Introduction
If a patient experiences signs and symptoms of a coccyx injury or unexplained discomfort in the coccyx area, it is important to contact a doctor. The doctor will assess whether the injury is traumatic or if there may be other, more serious underlying issues causing the pain.
Injuries to the coccyx region typically do not necessitate a visit to the emergency department. However, if the patient is unable to reach their physician, does not have a physician, or has concerns about their symptoms, it is advisable to visit the nearest hospital's emergency department.
Self-Care at Home
Coccyx injuries can be extremely painful, so home care is focused on pain management and preventing further irritation to the coccyx.
- Avoid prolonged periods of sitting. When seated, use hard surfaces and alternate sitting on each side of the buttocks. Additionally, lean forward to shift weight away from the tailbone.
- For traumatic injuries, apply ice to the tailbone area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, during the first few days after the injury.
- Utilize ibuprofen (Advil) or a similar pain medication, following label instructions, for pain control.
- You can consider purchasing a "doughnut" cushion or pillow designed for sitting. This cushion has a central hole to prevent direct contact with the flat surface.
- Incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet to soften stools and prevent constipation.
Follow-up
Follow-up appointments are recommended based on the discretion of the patient's doctor and depend on the severity of the injury and the patient's progress with medical treatment.
- Most individuals do not require follow-up if their coccyx injury is improving with medical treatment.
- Individuals with chronic coccyx pain, for whom medical therapy has not been effective, may need more frequent follow-up evaluations and may be referred to other medical or surgical specialists.
Prevention
Since most coccyx injuries are accidental, such as slipping on ice, they cannot be entirely avoided.
When participating in contact sports that may lead to coccyx injuries, it is advisable to wear proper protective padding.
Outlook
The prognosis for coccyx discomfort depends on various factors:
- The underlying cause of the issue (whether from trauma, tumor, or infection)
- If traumatic, the severity of the injury (bruise, fracture, or dislocation)
- The patient's adherence to medical treatment
- The patient's natural capacity for recovery and healing
The majority of cases of traumatic coccyx injury show improvement within several weeks with proper medical treatment.
However, a few individuals may continue to experience chronic coccyx discomfort despite appropriate medical intervention. This can be an incredibly frustrating and debilitating condition.