A coccyx fracture, also known as a tailbone fracture, results in moderate to severe pain in the tailbone area of the body. The condition is medically known as coccydynia, and is mostly prevalent in women, according to WebMD.Continue Reading
WebMD describes the coccyx as a triangular shaped structure of three to five bone segments that are located at the base of the spine. Causes of coccyx injuries are usually the result of falling onto the tailbone, a direct blow to the bony structure of the tailbone, childbirth, repetitive friction and sitting with poor posture, bone spurs and compression trauma. WebMD further describes symptoms of these injuries to include pain and tenderness in the tailbone and surrounding area, bruising and pain during bowel movements.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the injury. The Mayo Clinic states that tailbone pain normally goes away on its own after several weeks to a few months, but pain may be initially alleviated through good posture, heat treatments and over-the-counter pain relievers. More involved treatment options include physical therapy involving breathing, relaxation and strengthening exercises; manipulation through massaging muscles surrounding the tailbone; medications like anti-depressants, or injections of anesthetic; and in the most severe cases, a coccygectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove the coccyx.Learn more about Breaks & Sprains