
Dear Doctor, Last Night I Fell Down And Landed On

Question: Dear Doctor, Last night I fell down and landed on my tailbone. I already had very mild pain in the tailbone from an accident more than a decade back. It is paining quite more now. I am supposed to go on a holiday (travel tomorrow by car for 4 hours with my family). I can travel (sit on a hollow pillow) and rest there and take some meds but can't do physiotherapy. Is it ok to do that? Or should I have to necessarily cancel this holiday we have been looking forward to? What would be the line of action for me for now? Thank you in advance.

Dear Doctor, Last night I fell down and landed on my tailbone. I already had very mild pain in the tailbone from an accident more than a decade back. It is paining quite more now. I am supposed to go on a holiday (travel tomorrow by car for 4 hours with my family). I can travel (sit on a hollow pillow) and rest there and take some meds but can't do physiotherapy. Is it ok to do that? Or should I have to necessarily cancel this holiday we have been looking forward to? What would be the line of action for me for now? Thank you in advance.
Brief Answer:
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
It is possible you may have injured your tailbone.
Yes, you can sit on a donut cushion. It may be uncomfortable to travel on your journey. I would recommend getting an xray to rule out any fractures. If no fractures you can safely travel.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Aashish Raghu
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
It is possible you may have injured your tailbone.
Yes, you can sit on a donut cushion. It may be uncomfortable to travel on your journey. I would recommend getting an xray to rule out any fractures. If no fractures you can safely travel.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Aashish Raghu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng

Brief Answer:
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
It is possible you may have injured your tailbone.
Yes, you can sit on a donut cushion. It may be uncomfortable to travel on your journey. I would recommend getting an xray to rule out any fractures. If no fractures you can safely travel.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Aashish Raghu
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
It is possible you may have injured your tailbone.
Yes, you can sit on a donut cushion. It may be uncomfortable to travel on your journey. I would recommend getting an xray to rule out any fractures. If no fractures you can safely travel.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Aashish Raghu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng


Dear Dr XXXXXXX
Thank you for your reply. I have accordingly proceeded.
I have attached the Xray and reports. I showed to an orthopaedic here. Have attached his prescription too. I am doing the needful besides physiotherapy. I will be travelling for 4 hours in a car using a do-nut pillow tomorrow.
I need to ask you the following:
Last time I had a similar injury it took really really long and I remember carrying the pillow for many months. I can no longer afford that this time as I have many more responsibilities to look after. My question is about some durations.
How much time can I expect to heal from such a tailbone injury?
Do I need to rest more or is it ok to sit and do my regular work on the do-nut pillow? If yes, how many hours a day can I sit and can i go for short walks? If yes, how long? When I travel in the car better to incline seat or better to sit upright on the donut pillow in front or better to lie down in the back? And anything else you wish to suggest to expedite my healing?
Thank you in advance, doc.
Thank you for your reply. I have accordingly proceeded.
I have attached the Xray and reports. I showed to an orthopaedic here. Have attached his prescription too. I am doing the needful besides physiotherapy. I will be travelling for 4 hours in a car using a do-nut pillow tomorrow.
I need to ask you the following:
Last time I had a similar injury it took really really long and I remember carrying the pillow for many months. I can no longer afford that this time as I have many more responsibilities to look after. My question is about some durations.
How much time can I expect to heal from such a tailbone injury?
Do I need to rest more or is it ok to sit and do my regular work on the do-nut pillow? If yes, how many hours a day can I sit and can i go for short walks? If yes, how long? When I travel in the car better to incline seat or better to sit upright on the donut pillow in front or better to lie down in the back? And anything else you wish to suggest to expedite my healing?
Thank you in advance, doc.

Dear Dr XXXXXXX
Thank you for your reply. I have accordingly proceeded.
I have attached the Xray and reports. I showed to an orthopaedic here. Have attached his prescription too. I am doing the needful besides physiotherapy. I will be travelling for 4 hours in a car using a do-nut pillow tomorrow.
I need to ask you the following:
Last time I had a similar injury it took really really long and I remember carrying the pillow for many months. I can no longer afford that this time as I have many more responsibilities to look after. My question is about some durations.
How much time can I expect to heal from such a tailbone injury?
Do I need to rest more or is it ok to sit and do my regular work on the do-nut pillow? If yes, how many hours a day can I sit and can i go for short walks? If yes, how long? When I travel in the car better to incline seat or better to sit upright on the donut pillow in front or better to lie down in the back? And anything else you wish to suggest to expedite my healing?
Thank you in advance, doc.
Thank you for your reply. I have accordingly proceeded.
I have attached the Xray and reports. I showed to an orthopaedic here. Have attached his prescription too. I am doing the needful besides physiotherapy. I will be travelling for 4 hours in a car using a do-nut pillow tomorrow.
I need to ask you the following:
Last time I had a similar injury it took really really long and I remember carrying the pillow for many months. I can no longer afford that this time as I have many more responsibilities to look after. My question is about some durations.
How much time can I expect to heal from such a tailbone injury?
Do I need to rest more or is it ok to sit and do my regular work on the do-nut pillow? If yes, how many hours a day can I sit and can i go for short walks? If yes, how long? When I travel in the car better to incline seat or better to sit upright on the donut pillow in front or better to lie down in the back? And anything else you wish to suggest to expedite my healing?
Thank you in advance, doc.
Brief Answer:
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for uploading the xrays and prescription. Xray shows slight change in position of the tail bone. It does not look like fracture.
Such injury can take 6 months or more to heal. Doing the Ultrasound therapy and using soft donut cushion will help for faster relief.
No need to do bed rest. You can do all your activity. Just try to do physiotherapy for back strengthening exercises and avoid constipation by eating food rich in fruits and vegetables and plenty of water.
You can get up every half an hour or forty five minutes and stretch and do back extension exercises and walk around. You can go for walks as long as you like.
Position your seat as per your comfort. Your tail bone region should sit inside the gap of the donut cushion.
Physiotherapy and exercise will help in earlier recovery.
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for uploading the xrays and prescription. Xray shows slight change in position of the tail bone. It does not look like fracture.
Such injury can take 6 months or more to heal. Doing the Ultrasound therapy and using soft donut cushion will help for faster relief.
No need to do bed rest. You can do all your activity. Just try to do physiotherapy for back strengthening exercises and avoid constipation by eating food rich in fruits and vegetables and plenty of water.
You can get up every half an hour or forty five minutes and stretch and do back extension exercises and walk around. You can go for walks as long as you like.
Position your seat as per your comfort. Your tail bone region should sit inside the gap of the donut cushion.
Physiotherapy and exercise will help in earlier recovery.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana

Brief Answer:
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for uploading the xrays and prescription. Xray shows slight change in position of the tail bone. It does not look like fracture.
Such injury can take 6 months or more to heal. Doing the Ultrasound therapy and using soft donut cushion will help for faster relief.
No need to do bed rest. You can do all your activity. Just try to do physiotherapy for back strengthening exercises and avoid constipation by eating food rich in fruits and vegetables and plenty of water.
You can get up every half an hour or forty five minutes and stretch and do back extension exercises and walk around. You can go for walks as long as you like.
Position your seat as per your comfort. Your tail bone region should sit inside the gap of the donut cushion.
Physiotherapy and exercise will help in earlier recovery.
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for uploading the xrays and prescription. Xray shows slight change in position of the tail bone. It does not look like fracture.
Such injury can take 6 months or more to heal. Doing the Ultrasound therapy and using soft donut cushion will help for faster relief.
No need to do bed rest. You can do all your activity. Just try to do physiotherapy for back strengthening exercises and avoid constipation by eating food rich in fruits and vegetables and plenty of water.
You can get up every half an hour or forty five minutes and stretch and do back extension exercises and walk around. You can go for walks as long as you like.
Position your seat as per your comfort. Your tail bone region should sit inside the gap of the donut cushion.
Physiotherapy and exercise will help in earlier recovery.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana


Thank you doctor for your response which I have registered in my mind.
My pain is at nil when i wake up and gradually increases as the day progresses. Is that normal?
In your previous reply, you have suggested a. back-strengthening exercises and b. back extension exercises. Since I am travelling, I am yet to engage a physiotherapist.
Until I am back home to engage a physiotherapist, can you point me to some resources - some website/youtube channel for exercises that are SAFE and APT for the back strengthening/back extension exercises given the tailbone pain. Also is it safe and healthy to keep taking NSAID that's prescribed all through during the six odd months that this condition could remain? I am wondering if the NSAID helps therapeutically or is it just an aid to cope with/suppress the pain?
Thank you in advance. Your support is helping me come to terms with this.
My pain is at nil when i wake up and gradually increases as the day progresses. Is that normal?
In your previous reply, you have suggested a. back-strengthening exercises and b. back extension exercises. Since I am travelling, I am yet to engage a physiotherapist.
Until I am back home to engage a physiotherapist, can you point me to some resources - some website/youtube channel for exercises that are SAFE and APT for the back strengthening/back extension exercises given the tailbone pain. Also is it safe and healthy to keep taking NSAID that's prescribed all through during the six odd months that this condition could remain? I am wondering if the NSAID helps therapeutically or is it just an aid to cope with/suppress the pain?
Thank you in advance. Your support is helping me come to terms with this.

Thank you doctor for your response which I have registered in my mind.
My pain is at nil when i wake up and gradually increases as the day progresses. Is that normal?
In your previous reply, you have suggested a. back-strengthening exercises and b. back extension exercises. Since I am travelling, I am yet to engage a physiotherapist.
Until I am back home to engage a physiotherapist, can you point me to some resources - some website/youtube channel for exercises that are SAFE and APT for the back strengthening/back extension exercises given the tailbone pain. Also is it safe and healthy to keep taking NSAID that's prescribed all through during the six odd months that this condition could remain? I am wondering if the NSAID helps therapeutically or is it just an aid to cope with/suppress the pain?
Thank you in advance. Your support is helping me come to terms with this.
My pain is at nil when i wake up and gradually increases as the day progresses. Is that normal?
In your previous reply, you have suggested a. back-strengthening exercises and b. back extension exercises. Since I am travelling, I am yet to engage a physiotherapist.
Until I am back home to engage a physiotherapist, can you point me to some resources - some website/youtube channel for exercises that are SAFE and APT for the back strengthening/back extension exercises given the tailbone pain. Also is it safe and healthy to keep taking NSAID that's prescribed all through during the six odd months that this condition could remain? I am wondering if the NSAID helps therapeutically or is it just an aid to cope with/suppress the pain?
Thank you in advance. Your support is helping me come to terms with this.
Brief Answer:
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi
You can search on YouTube for Back extension or Back strengthening exercises and do what you can comfortably among them.
NSAIDs are harmful long term and van cause stomach ulcer and kidney damage. Best to try Sitz bath which you can see on YouTube. It will help in pain relief from coccyx problem.
Paracetamol should be good upto four times a day. Get up from sitting position every half an hour or 45 minutes and do back extension exercises.
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi
You can search on YouTube for Back extension or Back strengthening exercises and do what you can comfortably among them.
NSAIDs are harmful long term and van cause stomach ulcer and kidney damage. Best to try Sitz bath which you can see on YouTube. It will help in pain relief from coccyx problem.
Paracetamol should be good upto four times a day. Get up from sitting position every half an hour or 45 minutes and do back extension exercises.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana

Brief Answer:
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi
You can search on YouTube for Back extension or Back strengthening exercises and do what you can comfortably among them.
NSAIDs are harmful long term and van cause stomach ulcer and kidney damage. Best to try Sitz bath which you can see on YouTube. It will help in pain relief from coccyx problem.
Paracetamol should be good upto four times a day. Get up from sitting position every half an hour or 45 minutes and do back extension exercises.
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi
You can search on YouTube for Back extension or Back strengthening exercises and do what you can comfortably among them.
NSAIDs are harmful long term and van cause stomach ulcer and kidney damage. Best to try Sitz bath which you can see on YouTube. It will help in pain relief from coccyx problem.
Paracetamol should be good upto four times a day. Get up from sitting position every half an hour or 45 minutes and do back extension exercises.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana


Dear Dr Aashish
This is my last follow up question to you.
I will start my physiotherapy from tomorrow as I reach home back. I have been told that Ultrasound would be good. I also read somewhere that TENS would be good. Could you guide me which one and for how much duration would be ideal? Is it a good idea to continue physiotherapy for long term building of the pelvic floor?
I would also like to build my lower back for long term safety. Could you tell me between the exercises, walking, swimming and cycling what would help me best, now and after this tailbone problem is over? I can make time for only one of these, hence asking.
Thank you for your patience and guidance. I will mention that in my review too.
This is my last follow up question to you.
I will start my physiotherapy from tomorrow as I reach home back. I have been told that Ultrasound would be good. I also read somewhere that TENS would be good. Could you guide me which one and for how much duration would be ideal? Is it a good idea to continue physiotherapy for long term building of the pelvic floor?
I would also like to build my lower back for long term safety. Could you tell me between the exercises, walking, swimming and cycling what would help me best, now and after this tailbone problem is over? I can make time for only one of these, hence asking.
Thank you for your patience and guidance. I will mention that in my review too.

Dear Dr Aashish
This is my last follow up question to you.
I will start my physiotherapy from tomorrow as I reach home back. I have been told that Ultrasound would be good. I also read somewhere that TENS would be good. Could you guide me which one and for how much duration would be ideal? Is it a good idea to continue physiotherapy for long term building of the pelvic floor?
I would also like to build my lower back for long term safety. Could you tell me between the exercises, walking, swimming and cycling what would help me best, now and after this tailbone problem is over? I can make time for only one of these, hence asking.
Thank you for your patience and guidance. I will mention that in my review too.
This is my last follow up question to you.
I will start my physiotherapy from tomorrow as I reach home back. I have been told that Ultrasound would be good. I also read somewhere that TENS would be good. Could you guide me which one and for how much duration would be ideal? Is it a good idea to continue physiotherapy for long term building of the pelvic floor?
I would also like to build my lower back for long term safety. Could you tell me between the exercises, walking, swimming and cycling what would help me best, now and after this tailbone problem is over? I can make time for only one of these, hence asking.
Thank you for your patience and guidance. I will mention that in my review too.
Brief Answer:
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Ultrasound and TENS are both good. If you have option, then try TENS first. Try for 2-6 months.
Physiotherapy can be continued as long as you like to strengthen muscles.
Walking, swimming or cycling are fine but swimming has less loads through spine so may be better.
Thanks and regards,
Aashish Raghu
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Ultrasound and TENS are both good. If you have option, then try TENS first. Try for 2-6 months.
Physiotherapy can be continued as long as you like to strengthen muscles.
Walking, swimming or cycling are fine but swimming has less loads through spine so may be better.
Thanks and regards,
Aashish Raghu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad

Brief Answer:
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Ultrasound and TENS are both good. If you have option, then try TENS first. Try for 2-6 months.
Physiotherapy can be continued as long as you like to strengthen muscles.
Walking, swimming or cycling are fine but swimming has less loads through spine so may be better.
Thanks and regards,
Aashish Raghu
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Ultrasound and TENS are both good. If you have option, then try TENS first. Try for 2-6 months.
Physiotherapy can be continued as long as you like to strengthen muscles.
Walking, swimming or cycling are fine but swimming has less loads through spine so may be better.
Thanks and regards,
Aashish Raghu
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad

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