What is Tailbone Injury

The tailbone is the small bone at the lower end of the backbone (spine). The tailbone can become injured from:

• A fall.
• Sitting to row or bike for a long time.
• Having a baby.

This type of injury can be painful. Most tailbone injuries get better on their own in 4–6 weeks.

Follow these instructions at home:

Activity

• Avoid sitting in one place for a long time.
• Wear proper pads and gear when riding a bike or rowing.
• Increase your activity as the pain allows.
• Do exercises as told by your doctor or physical therapist.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• To lessen pain:
  • Sit on a large, rubber or inflated ring or cushion.
  • Lean forward when you sit.
• If told, apply ice to the injured area.
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day. Do this for the first 1–2 days.
• If told, put heat on the injured area. Do this as often as told by your doctor. Use the heat source that your doctor recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
  • Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
  • Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is very important if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• To prevent or treat trouble pooping (constipation) or pain when pooping, your doctor may suggest that you:
  • Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.
  • Eat foods that are high in fiber. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
  • Limit foods that are high in fat and sugar. These include fried and sweet foods.
  • Take an over-the-counter or prescription medicine to treat trouble pooping.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your pain gets worse.
• Pooping causes you pain.
• You cannot poop after 4 days.
• You have pain during sex.

Summary

• A tailbone injury can happen from a fall, from sitting for a long time to row or bike, or after having a baby.
• These injuries can be painful. Most tailbone injuries get better on their own in 4–6 weeks.
• Sit on a large, rubber or inflated ring or cushion to lessen pain.
• Avoid sitting in one place for a long time.
• Follow your doctor’s suggestions to prevent or treat trouble pooping.