What Causes Pain In Tailbone After An Accidental Fall?

Posted on Thu, 1 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 1 May 2014 Answered on

Wed, 21 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I was trying to sit down on my office chair yesterday when it moved and I fell on my backside and injured my elbow. My tail bone feels very sore today. Do you think I should be checked for a possible coccyx fracture or wait a few days. I am an 82-year-old female.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
An Xray would show if you have a fracture

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for you question.

I'm sorry to hear about your fall. You could have fractured your sacrum or you coccyx. An X-ray would usually show this but not 100 percent of the time.

Low energy sacral and coccygeal fratures are usually managed non-operatively with analgesic such as antiinflammatory medication, tylenol and opiate, morphine derived,drugs in the early stages when they are particularly painful.

Sitting on a soft cushion/pillow or dognut ring can help relieve the pressue. If you fell unsteady on your feet then a cane or crutches can be of benefit.

I hope this answers you question.

best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D