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Can The Tailbone Be Injured After A Fall On The Buttocks Which Is Causing Pain And Pressure While Sitting?
Question: Hi, i slipped down the last 2 steps of a flight of stairs cause it was rainy last week and landed on my bum. I experienced direct pain on my lower back. And i suffered neck,back,arm and leg aches the next two days. (pretty much areas connected to my spine) Now i'm feeling fine but i feel a sharp uncomfortable feeling when heavy pressure is applied on my lower back e.g when i attempt to do sit-ups. No pain at all when i use my hands to apply pressure on it. No pain sitting for long periods of time. I'm suspecting i might have injured my tailbone. Do i need medical attention or can i just wait for it to heal up?
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for the query.
From the history provided, it seems that the only symptom you have is severe pain and discomfort.
Falling on ones buttocks, can be very painful and the pain might last for a few days, in most cases. But since the pain described by you, presents only on application of heavy pressure, this could be a benign pain and will subside on its own within about 10 -15 days.
In most cases, this issue is self limiting and resolves on its own. You might use good pain killers like ibuprofen in adequate doses to reduce the pain. In addition proper bed rest for a day or two, a cushion with a cutout at the back while sitting down, and application of heat packs will also be helpful.
Some warning signs of a serious injury to the spine include the following signs and symptoms:
1. Loss of movement
2. Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold and touch
3. Loss of bowel or bladder control
4. Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity.
5. Extreme back pain - that radiates down to your legs or toes.
6. Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in your legs.
7. Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your feet or toes
8. An oddly positioned or twisted neck or back
In case you do have the above mentioned symptoms, you might need to consult your doctor or a neurologist for proper examination and tests including a MRI of the spine.
Hope this answers your query. In case of any doubts, I am available for the follow ups.
Thanks for the query.
From the history provided, it seems that the only symptom you have is severe pain and discomfort.
Falling on ones buttocks, can be very painful and the pain might last for a few days, in most cases. But since the pain described by you, presents only on application of heavy pressure, this could be a benign pain and will subside on its own within about 10 -15 days.
In most cases, this issue is self limiting and resolves on its own. You might use good pain killers like ibuprofen in adequate doses to reduce the pain. In addition proper bed rest for a day or two, a cushion with a cutout at the back while sitting down, and application of heat packs will also be helpful.
Some warning signs of a serious injury to the spine include the following signs and symptoms:
1. Loss of movement
2. Loss of sensation, including the ability to feel heat, cold and touch
3. Loss of bowel or bladder control
4. Changes in sexual function, sexual sensitivity.
5. Extreme back pain - that radiates down to your legs or toes.
6. Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in your legs.
7. Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your feet or toes
8. An oddly positioned or twisted neck or back
In case you do have the above mentioned symptoms, you might need to consult your doctor or a neurologist for proper examination and tests including a MRI of the spine.
Hope this answers your query. In case of any doubts, I am available for the follow ups.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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