How to Know When You Break Your Coccyx Bone

The coccyx bone, more commonly referred to as the tailbone, is the bone located at the end of your spine in your backside. Many people first learn about this bone after a fall. Landing on the bone can bruise, fracture or even break it. Afterward, the area is very sore and painful, especially when trying to sit down. Bruising may also occur depending on the type of injury and the severity. Know the signs to tell whether the tailbone is bruised or broken and when medical treatment is necessary.

Identify the area where the pain is located. Typically, pain occurs around the tailbone area of your backside. Pain is often worse when touching the area or when sitting down, especially for a long time.

Check in the mirror for a bruise in the area. A sharp fall or injury can leave a bruise, though this may also be a sign of a bruised coccyx and not a broken one. Keep an eye on the bruise and monitor how fast it goes away and how bad the pain is. If the pain and bruise go away quickly over a few days, it may simply be a bruise instead of a broken bone.

Track situations that cause pain. Going to the bathroom or having sexual intercourse, typically for women, may cause the pain to become worse.

Contact your doctor and describe your symptoms if you are experiencing pain or if bruising appears. She will probably want you to come in for a check up. This is important not only to ensure you haven't broken the bone, but to make sure the symptoms aren't a result of another type of injury or medical problem.