Almost a year ago...during the delivery of my daughter...my coccyx bone/tailbone was fractured in the delivery. Has anyone else had this experience? (Hopefully not!) Now, almost a year later I am still experiencing pain & discomfort from this...it's uncomfortable for me to sit for any extended period of time etc.
I was told at the time that there is nothing that can be done for this...it will heal on it's own within a few months. It was miserable for about four months...lots of pain, couldn't sit, hurt to walk...all this with a newborn baby to care for. After about four months the pain lessened, however it hasn't completely gone away & I am well aware of my coccyx/tailbone fracture everyday. Does anyone know if this will be a lifelong situation for me? Someone mentioned "manual manipulation of the tailbone" as a possibility? Has anyone heard of this or any other advice? Thanking you in advance.

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 03:23 pm:

I fractured mine when I fell out of a tree when I was around 14. I remember it bothering me from time to time for several years, but it's been so long, I had actually forgotten I'd even done it until I read your post.

Have you had any recent Xrays? If it's still bothering you, it might be worth a trip to an orthopedist or other doctor, just to make sure everything's OK. I don't know anything about manual manipulation, but it wouldn't surprise me if that's an option.

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 03:35 pm:

This is what I read from MedFriendly.com -

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO TREAT A DAMAGED COCCYX?

Due to the location of the coccyx, when this bone breaks it is not possible to place it in a cast like you would do in the case of a broken arm or leg. However, the goal is still to keep the lower back inflexible so that it does not bend. This means relaxing, bed rest, and taking it easy. Lying down on one side is usually the most comfortable position for people with this type of injury. Doctors generally recommend that if people with a broken coccyx need to sit that they do so on a pillow, preferable one that is ring-shaped. These types of pillows look like big doughnuts. The least amount of pressure should be placed on the coccyx while sitting. Resting and keeping the area stable usually allows the broken coccyx to heal naturally.

Just out of curiosity, how did the dr.diagnose this from delivery. For the past 7-8 or so months i've had bad pain when sitting for a while on my coccyx/tailbone area and its painful if DH tries to rub it. Up until now I had no idea to even be concerned but should I?

Ice packs, in addition to rest, usually help to provide pain relief. Pain medications may also be prescribed by your doctor if the pain has not improved after about a week. Physical therapists can help relieve pain that exists afterwards, especially if the pain is associated with weakened muscles and ligaments near the coccyx. A ligament is a tough band of tissue that attaches to joint bones. Pain relief after a broken coccyx has healed can sometimes be achieved through a chiropractor. A chiropractor is a type of doctor that uses his/her hands to manipulate and adjust structures in the body, such as the bones surrounding the spine. If pain exists in the area of the coccyx one year after it has broken, a last resort is to consider surgery to remove the coccyx.

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 03:36 pm:

I got my writing intertwined above so I hope you all can understand it, LOL!

By Robyn on Friday, June 18, 2004 - 01:41 pm:

The only diagnosis was from the doctor during the delivery...he told me that he heard my coccyx fracture.
Thanks for all the information.

By Pamt on Friday, June 18, 2004 - 01:56 pm:

I've never had this problem, but the physical therapists at the hospital where I woro DO work on broken tailbone-related pain issues. You might want to ask your MD for an order to see a PT.

By Andi on Friday, June 18, 2004 - 02:53 pm:

This is not the news I want to hear two weeks before my due date.

By Palmbchprincess on Saturday, June 19, 2004 - 01:44 am:

My mom had this problem with her 2nd delivery (my 9 y/o sister). It hurt for a LONG time, and I remember the doctors telling her there wasn't a whole lot she could do. It sucks, but going easy on it, and talking to your doctor about pain management while it heals would be the best solution IMO. Good luck, and big hugs... I hope it's feeling better soon!!