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Definition:
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Tailbone trauma is an injury to the small bone at the lower tip of the spine.
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Alternative Names:
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Coccyx injury
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Considerations:
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Actual fractures of the tailbone (coccyx) are not common. Tailbone trauma usually involves bruising of the bone or pulling of the ligaments.
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Causes:
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Backward falls onto a hard surface, such as a slippery floor or ice, are the most common cause of this injury.
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Symptoms:
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- Bruising on the lower part of the spine
- Pain when sitting or putting pressure on the tailbone
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First Aid:
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For tailbone trauma where no spinal cord injury is suspected:
- Relieve pressure on the tailbone by sitting on an inflatable rubber ring or cushions.
- Take acetaminophen for pain.
- Take a stool softener to avoid constipation.
If you suspect injury to the neck or spine, do not attempt to move the patient.
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Do Not:
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Do NOT attempt to move the patient if you think there may be injury to the spinal cord.
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Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
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Call for immediate medical help if:
- Spinal cord injury is suspected.
- The patient cannot move.
- Pain is severe.
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Prevention:
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- Do NOT run on slippery surfaces, such as around a swimming pool.
- Dress in shoes with good tread or slip-resistant soles, especially in snow or on ice.
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References:
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Choi SB, Cwinn AA. Pelvic trauma. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 52.
Vora A. Coccydynia. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 103.
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