How Long Does It Take A Tailbone Fracture To Heal?
A tailbone injury can be very painful and slow to heal. Healing time for an injured tailbone depends on the severity of the injury. If you have a fracture, healing can take between 8 to 12 weeks. If your tailbone injury is a bruise, healing takes about 4 weeks.
Will a broken tailbone heal on its own?
A broken or bruised coccyx will usually heal on its own. Physical therapy, exercises, and a special cushion can all help ease the pain and speed recovery. See your doctor if pain is severe, or if you have trouble with bowel movements or urination. Surgery is needed in fewer than 10 percent of cases.
What are some signs of a broken tailbone?
The symptoms of a broken tailbone include:
- an almost constant dull pain in the very low back, just above the buttocks.
- pain that worsens when sitting and when standing up from a sitting position.
- swelling around the tailbone.
- pain that intensifies during a bowel movement.
- pain that intensifies during sexual intercourse.
Should you go to the doctor for a broken tailbone?
If you have the signs and symptoms of a coccyx injury or unexplained discomfort in the tailbone area, contact your doctor. It may be necessary for the doctor to decide if the injury is traumatic or if the pain is caused by other, more serious, problems.
Is walking good for tailbone injury?
Sometimes, the pain can shoot all the way down your legs. Standing or walking should relieve the pressure on your tailbone and ease discomfort.
Is a broken coccyx serious?
Tailbone injuries are likely to cause pain, swelling, and bruising. Sitting or having a bowel movement may be especially painful. Still, most tailbone fractures are not medical emergencies. Go to your healthcare provider for treatment.
What is the fastest way to heal a sore tailbone?
To lessen tailbone pain in the meantime, it might help to:
- Lean forward while sitting down.
- Sit on a doughnut-shaped pillow or wedge (V-shaped) cushion.
- Apply heat or ice to the affected area.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin.
How can I fix my tailbone at home?
Gently increasing the stretch over time will allow the range of movement to expand.
- Lie down on the back and extend the feet straight out.
- Bend one knee toward the chest.
- Hold onto the bent knee and pull it gently down into the chest.
- Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
Can tailbone pain last for years?
Tailbone pain ranges from a dull ache to a fierce stab. It can last for weeks, months or sometimes longer.
Can I work with a fractured coccyx?
Having sustained a broken coccyx at work, you could be off work for several weeks if not longer depending on the severity and complexity of the fracture and your ability to heal.
How long can a broken tailbone hurt?
A tailbone injury can be very painful and slow to heal. Healing time for an injured tailbone depends on the severity of the injury. If you have a fracture, healing can take between 8 to 12 weeks.
What helps tailbone pain while sleeping?
Place a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back. Or, sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. This will decrease pain and tension in your coccyx and back.
How do you poop with a broken tailbone?
If you are not constipated: Use over-the-counter stool softeners to make passing stool less painful. Your pharmacist can suggest options. Adding fiber to your diet or using fiber supplements is a long-term solution to keep your stools soft and prevent constipation. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a fiber supplement.
How can I crack my tailbone myself?
Lower back rotation
- Lie on your back.
- Raise your knees up so they’re bent.
- Keeping your shoulders still, move your hips to one side so that the knee on that side is touching the ground.
- Hold this position for ten seconds.
- Slowly return your knees to their previous position.
- Repeat in the other direction.