All of the snow we have recently received is great for our mountains, but it sure makes walking a potential hazard. Traction shoes can only do so much when ice is virtually everywhere.
Slipping on ice and landing on your bottom can be a significant pain in the tail(bone). We have seen a lot of patients recently who have experienced trauma to their coccyx, also known as the tailbone, which is the triangular, bony structure located at the base of the spine. Because of its location, it is highly susceptible to injury during a fall. Many pelvic floor muscles insert into the coccyx, which can make things like defecation, walking, running and sitting quite painful.
Yes, you can; however, it is more commonly bruised. Older adults, especially those who have bone deterioration disorders such as osteopenia are at a higher risk of fracturing their tailbone. Additionally, women are more susceptible to tailbone injuries because their pelvis is broader, which exposes the coccyx.
While the pain associated with a tailbone injury usually diminishes within a few weeks or months, it can be downright frustrating. Pain can range from dull and achy to sharp and severe based on the activity being performed.
Here are ten tips to help relieve tailbone pain:
If you have had recent trauma to your coccyx and are experiencing pain, schedule an appointment with your doctor or physical therapist. Through an evaluation, they can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your injury to help you get back to doing the things you love.
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