Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
November 15, 2023 | J.L. King, II
Breaking your tailbone can be more devastating than one would think. The tailbone plays a vital role in many of your day-to-day activities, and injury to the area can affect your lifestyle and ability to work for quite some time.
For this reason, after suffering a tailbone injury, you should not hesitate to seek legal guidance. A skilled personal injury attorney can file a claim for compensation on your behalf for your injuries and related losses.
What Is the Tailbone?
The tailbone — formally the “coccyx” — is a triangular arrangement of bones at the end of the spine. It’s located at the base of the vertebral column, representing a tail-like structure normal to human development, hence the name “tailbone.”
While the tailbone might not seem of much importance, it is critical to essential activities, such as walking, sitting, and standing. Because of this, injury to the tailbone can cause hardships and make it more challenging to perform normal daily activities.
Can You Break Your Tailbone in an Accident?
You can break your tailbone in a variety of different ways. Generally, trauma to the surrounding area causes the tailbone to suffer injury. Trauma can be a result of many incidents, such as car accidents or trucking collisions.
Even if you wear a seat belt in your vehicle, this doesn’t guarantee you won’t move about in a crash. Depending on the impact, it’s entirely possible for you to be lifted out of your seat and slammed back down, causing injury to the tailbone and general backside.
Tailbone injuries are also caused by other types of accidents, including slips and falls and workplace accidents.
Bruised or Broken — Signs of an Injured Tailbone
Tailbone pain can indicate there is something wrong. The tailbone can be either bruised or broken, and the symptoms for both injuries are similar. Therefore, it takes proper diagnostic testing, like a rectal exam or x-rays, to determine the extent of your coccyx injury.
The signs of potential tailbone injury often include:
- Dull or sharp pain
- Pain that worsens when you sit or go from sitting to standing
- Tenderness in the area
- Visible bruising
- Painful bowel movements
- Lower back pain
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
While certain symptoms might not seem very concerning, it’s important to seek medical care if you feel something is wrong. Waiting to get proper treatment can extend your recovery time and make the injury worse.
Recovering From a Tailbone Injury
Treatment for your tailbone injury is based on the type of injury and the severity. Home remedies, like heat and ice therapy and over-the-counter pain medication, can alleviate swelling and pain. Sitting on a donut pillow and avoiding sitting for prolonged periods can help the area heal quicker.
While surgery is not as common for tailbone fractures, severe injuries may require surgical intervention. Depending on the extent of the break, surgery may involve a partial or total coccygectomy to remove part or all of the tailbone.
Seeking Compensation For Your Broken Tailbone in Georgia
In Georgia, if your tailbone injury is caused by another party’s wrongdoing, you may be able to file a claim to hold them accountable. Many accidents involving injury are the result of negligent or intentional actions.
When you file a claim against the at-fault party, you’re pursuing monetary recovery for your injuries and other related losses. Sustaining physical harm in an unfortunate accident or incident can cause unforeseen financial burdens that you shouldn’t have to bear. Filing a claim for your broken tailbone and other injuries can help ensure you get the compensation and justice you deserve. As soon as you’re able, make sure to discuss your situation with a seasoned Sylvester personal injury attorney. A lawyer can determine whether you have a valid injury case and fight aggressively to protect your rights to financial recovery.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today
For more information, please contact The King Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.
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1603 US Hwy 41, Tifton, GA 31794
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3317 Fayetteville Rd, Griffin, GA 30223
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