About this topic
The coccyx is also known as the tailbone. It is a small bone at the end of your spine. It is shaped like a triangle and is made of a few even smaller bones that are joined together. Muscles and strong bands that hold bones and joints together all attach to the tailbone. Normally, the tailbone curves in just a little bit. It does not move very much. You may have a tailbone break if there is a tiny crack in it. It also may break all the way. Women are more likely to have a tailbone break than men. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel on the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Try not to sit for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.
- Use a special cushion for sitting. It has a hole in the middle of it to take pressure off of the tailbone. This is called a doughnut cushion.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Soften stools
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat a high fiber diet to avoid straining during bowel movements. For example ‚
- Grains: Try to eat at least three servings of whole grain bread, cereals, brown rice, pasta, or crackers each day.
- Veggies: Eat a lot of veggies. Try to pick many different kinds and colors. Try to eat more fresh or frozen and stay away from canned veggies.
- Fruits: Eat many different types of fruits, but try to stay away from juice. Fresh or frozen fruit is much better for you than juice.
Drink 6 to 8 glasses of liquids each day. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Ongoing pain
- Trouble sitting
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Problems having a bowel movement.
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Lean forward when sitting to take pressure off the tailbone. Try to shift your weight from side to side at times.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my fracture.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have problems having a bowel movement.
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/coccydinia/Pages/Causes.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚