Pronounced: cox-ix
A coccyx fracture is a break in the tailbone. This is the lowest part of the spine.
The CoccyxCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
This injury is caused by trauma from:
It can also happen when straining or from friction, such as when rowing or biking.
Things that may raise your risk are:
Symptoms may be:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. The doctor will also ask how the injury happened. A physical exam will be done, focusing on your spine. A rectal exam may also be done. X-rays may or may not be needed.
The fracture will need time to heal on its own. This can take 8 to 12 weeks. Medicine can help ease pain and swelling.
Surgery for this injury is rare. It may be done to remove the coccyx when all other options have been tried.
Most fractures are due to accidents. Healthy bones and muscles may prevent injury. This may be done through diet and exercise.
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.orthoinfo.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org
Acute low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-low-back-pain. Updated November 12, 2018. Accessed September 24, 2019.
Low back pain. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated December 2013. Accessed September 24, 2019.
Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, et al. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):514-530.
Spinal cord injury—acute management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/spinal-cord-injury-acute-management. Updated September 24, 2019.
Types of fractured coccyx. Cure Back Pain website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 24, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM