First Aid & Emergencies

Tailbone Injury Treatment

• There are signs of spinal cord injury along with tailbone injury caused by a fall.

Symptoms of spinal cord injury include:

• Severe neck or back pain
• Paralysis in part of the body
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Weakness in the legs or arms
• Numbness

If any of these symptoms are present, avoid moving the person.

1. Reduce Pain and Pressure

• Ice tailbone every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days or until pain goes away.

• Give an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.

• Have the person use a "doughnut cushion" (from a medical supply store) or small inflatable inner tube when sitting.

• Avoid constipation. Give plenty of fluids and fiber in diet. The short-term use of a laxative might be necessary.

2. See a Health Care Provider

3. Follow Up

• The health care provider will do an X-ray and possibly an MRI, CT scan, or bone scan to check for fracture.

• Usually, continued home treatment is recommended.