Suggest Treatment For Numbness In Body And Constipation After Tail Bone Injury

Posted on Mon, 25 Jan 2016

Question: I think I broke my tail bone but not sure what can be done about it. I have been in pain for 4 weeks and now the left side of my body is going numb.

I am terribly constipated and cannot sleep or eat.

The pain is getting better (maybe because I am getting used to it) but the numbness and constipation is getting worse. The pain is shooting up my back and down into my left leg. Advil is just not cutting it anymore.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Concerned about the numbness:

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

I am sorry your are having so much pain. I am concerned about the numbness. This can mean that you have a nerve that is entrapped or impinged by the injury. I strongly advise that you go in to the ER if you are having numbness.

I also think you need to be examined at this point - both to evaluate the nerves that may be impinged, and to see what the situation is with your tail bone - initially X-ray, and if impingement is suspected, then likely an MRI which can visualize the soft tissue well.

Regarding the constipation: this is a frequent problem when the muscles of the low back are tight or in spasm from an injury. Start taking stool softeners daily and consider eating or stewing prunes to make things easier for your self.

Do go in for that numbness. I am concerned about it.

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