Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
Accidents can cause a wide variety of injuries, with the most recognized and talked-about including brain and spinal cord injuries. One injury not commonly discussed is the broken tailbone, which can result from a strong impact on the area.
If you’ve broken your tailbone after an accident caused by another, you may be entitled to pursue fair compensation. A personal injury attorney can review the specifics of your case and provide qualified guidance on the matter.
What Exactly Is the Tailbone?
The tailbone is the bony structure found at the very end of the spine, also called the coccyx. It is a small bone consisting of three to five vertebrae fused together.
The tailbone serves certain important functions in the body. For instance, it allows you to keep your balance when sitting, helps support your weight, and connects muscles and ligaments.
Additionally, several nerves connect to the tailbone, giving the area a feeling. This is part of the reason why tailbone injuries can be so painful and uncomfortable.
Is It Possible To Break Your Tailbone?
Like any other bone in your body, it is entirely possible to break or fracture your tailbone. While bruising or pulling a ligament in that area is more common than a fracture, a severe enough accident can result in a broken coccyx.
Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
If you’ve suffered trauma to the tailbone area, there’s a chance the bone may be broken. Some of the common signs of a broken tailbone include but are not limited to the following:
- Swelling around the tailbone
- A constant, dull pain around the tailbone or lower back
- Pain that worsens when sitting or standing
- Pain that intensifies during sex or bowel movements
- Numbness or tingling down the leg
Any of the above symptoms are likely indicative that something is not right with your coccyx. Even if you don’t feel like it’s a serious injury, it may be. You should seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Broken Tailbones
When you seek care from a medical provider, they’ll start by asking questions about your medical history and any recent incidents that could have contributed to your potential injury. Then, they’ll conduct a physical exam and potentially order additional imaging tests, including X-rays or MRI scans.
Your physician will recommend a treatment plan based on the results and diagnosis. Treatment for a broken tailbone usually includes plenty of rest, pain medication, and short-term lifestyle changes, including avoiding sitting for long periods. A broken tailbone can take about 8 to 12 weeks to properly heal, depending on the severity.
In more serious cases, surgical intervention may be required. This is especially true if the coccyx heals improperly or you experience chronic pain.
What Causes Tailbone Injuries?
The tailbone is a relatively strong bone. However, if you experience a powerful impact on the area, it could result in injury. Coccyx fractures typically result from different accident types, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and falls. If you break your tailbone in an accident caused by another, it’s critical to discuss your situation with a skilled personal injury lawyer.
Seeking Compensation for a Broken Tailbone
Facing a tailbone injury can be frustrating and stressful. Not only can these injuries cause you daily pain and discomfort, but they can also impact your lifestyle and activities. For this reason, you may have the opportunity to pursue financial recovery for your tailbone injury.
After receiving medical attention for your tailbone, do not wait to meet with a skilled attorney. Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer can help you obtain compensation for certain injury-related losses, including medical expenses and lost earnings. An attorney can assist you in getting the recovery you need and moving on after your injury.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys in Lawrenceville for Help Today
For more information, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyer at Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Lawrenceville, GA.
Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys
320 S Perry St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(678) 446-3655