The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is a small but important part of the spine. It helps support your body when you sit and keeps your balance. However, despite its small size, the tailbone can get injured, especially during certain types of accidents.
Tailbone fractures can be very painful. In busy cities where people walk a lot, use stairs often, or rely on public transport, there’s a higher chance of falling or getting hit. In such places, it’s helpful to know the broken tailbone symptoms so you can get medical help quickly if needed.
Symptoms of a tailbone fracture
If your tailbone is fractured, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Sharp pain at the bottom of your spine
- Pain when sitting or standing for too long
- Swelling or bruising around the tailbone
- Pain during bowel movements
- Discomfort during sex (in women).
Common accidents that may lead to a tailbone fracture
Car accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the top causes of tailbone injuries. When a car stops suddenly or is hit from behind, the body may be pushed back hard into the seat. If the seat has little padding, the tailbone can absorb the force, leading to a fracture.
Rear-end crashes are especially risky because they cause the lower back to hit the seat with full force. Even wearing a seatbelt does not fully protect the tailbone from this pressure.
Slip and fall
Slipping and falling backward is another common cause of a tailbone fracture. This often happens on wet floors, icy sidewalks, or slippery tiles. In homes or public places with hard surfaces, the impact of falling on your backside can crack the coccyx.
People of all ages can fall, but older adults and children are at higher risk. Falls from stairs, in the bathroom, or on uneven ground can cause sudden pressure on the tailbone.
Motorcycle accidents
Motorcycle riders are more exposed to injuries because there is little to protect them during a crash. If a rider falls off and lands on their back, the impact can break the tailbone.
Even wearing a helmet and other safety gear doesn’t fully protect the lower spine. Bumpy roads, high speeds, and sudden turns make these accidents more dangerous.
High-impact sports
Some sports come with a higher risk of tailbone injuries. Gymnastics, snowboarding, ice skating, and contact sports like football involve quick movements and falls.
When athletes fall hard on their buttocks or lower back, the force can go straight to the coccyx. Even jumping and landing without proper technique can cause stress or fractures to the tailbone. Wearing protective gear and practicing good techniques can help reduce these risks.
Childbirth
During childbirth, a woman’s tailbone can get injured, especially if labour is long or the baby is large. The baby’s head may push against the coccyx, leading to a fracture or bruising.
While this is not very common, it can still happen and cause serious pain after delivery. Women who have had tailbone pain before pregnancy are more likely to have this issue during childbirth.
Final thoughts
Tailbone fractures can happen in many ways, during car or motorcycle accidents, slips, falls, sports, or childbirth. If you feel pain in your lower back after a fall or accident, don’t ignore it.
A quick visit to the doctor can confirm if it’s a fracture and help you start the right treatment. Taking simple steps like using soft cushions, being careful on slippery surfaces, and wearing safety gear can help you avoid this painful injury.
Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
