3 Things to Know About Tailbone Injuries

3 Things to Know About Tailbone Injuries

While the tailbone is made of strong, mostly fused bones, the area can be extremely sensitive. If you’ve ever injured this portion of your spine, you probably know it from the pain you experienced. While tailbone injuries can be serious, they can also be addressed by a Rochester Hills chiropractor to help you overcome symptoms and avoid permanent damage. If you are considering having a tailbone injury looked at, you may be interested to learn more about the coccyx and how it can be injured.

The Tailbone Is Not Always Fused

When someone references the tailbone, they are generally referring to the coccyx, which sits at the bottom portion of your sacral spine. The term tailbone is a reference to the vestigial tail of your spine, not an actual tail like you may see on an animal.

The tailbone is made of 3 to 5 vertebrae. For many years, it was believed that these vertebrae were always fused together so that there was no movement between them. But it is now known that the entire coccyx is not one solid bone, but there is some limited movement. This can protect against some injuries, but it does not change the fact that this area of the spine is more rigid than others.

Tailbone Injuries Can Happen Easily

The most common tailbone injury is falling down a set of stairs, landing directly on your bottom and your tailbone. This can cause an immediate sharp pain that may radiate outwards. A similar sensation can be caused by any sudden trauma to the lower back, like a car accident or a sports injury.

Tailbones are also susceptible to stress injuries caused by longer-term patterns rather than a single incident. Sitting for prolonged periods of time, repetitive motions while sitting like riding a bicycle, or pregnancy and childbirth can all put stress on the tailbone and ultimately cause an injury.

It is also possible for other conditions to impact the tailbone. Local infections, injuries to other parts of the spine, and tumors are all commonly linked to tailbone pain. Bone spurs and compressed nerve roots in the area are also potential causes.

Chiropractors Can Offer Relief

When any part of the spine is injured, it can impact the nervous system, leading to pain and other issues. If you are struggling with this pain, the team at Vitality Precision Chiropractic can help. Dr. Thomas Madigan and Dr. Brendan Shanahan will work to determine the cause of your pain and create a care plan designed to offer relief and optimal healing. By focusing on your overall spinal alignment and ensuring any injuries are addressed, chiropractic care is a great way to find relief from tailbone pain. Call today to schedule your consultation.