Coccyx Fracture

(Tailbone Fracture; Broken Tailbone)

Pronounced: cox-ix

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

A coccyx fracture is a break in the tailbone. This is the lowest part of the spine.

The Coccyx

Causes

This injury is caused by trauma from:

Falls
A blow to the tailbone
The childbirth process

It can also happen when straining or from friction, such as when rowing or biking.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise your risk are:

Having a health problem that may result in falls, such as weak muscles
Having a health problem that may weaken bones, such asosteoporosis
Playing contact sports, such as hockey

Symptoms

Symptoms may be:

Pain that is worse when sitting
Pain that is worse during a bowel movement

Diagnosis

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.

Treatment

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

Surgery for this injury is rare. It may be done to remove the coccyx when all other options have been tried.

Prevention

Most fractures are due to accidents. Healthy bones and muscles may prevent injury. This may be done through diet and exercise.

RESOURCES:

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.orthoinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org

References:

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.dyname.... 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
Last Updated: 8/14/2020