Sorry for putting this here, looking for answers for a broken tailbone and healing process

[tmv]

Hi and thank you in advance for reading/responding to my question.Sorry for putting this on women's health, but it actually is. I have just always gotten such good results from all of you knowledgible women. I had it on the back problem site and have zero replies. How long does it usually take to heal a tailbone and get pain relief? My sister had a bad break as the swingset she and her daughter were in came crashing down. She wasn't even swinging, but fell straight to her bottom. Luckily the little one went flying out of the way of the 4 x 6 in beam! She was x-rayed a few days later, when the pain wouldn't go away and it was a complete break. She was prescribed pain pills and a muscle relaxer that she cannot take and function at the same time, she's very petite, so she goes without it. She cannot lay flat on her back or sit up straight. I hope it gets better real soon for her. How long does it usually take to heal and what can she do to help with the pain? Thank you again.Oh, she also has a mild case of scoliosis.Any comments will be appreciated.

[peekawho]

It could take a long, long time.  

She really should talk to her doctor about her pain.  There may be other meds she could try, like Ultram, that might not be so sedating. Ultram is not probably the best choice for pain such as this, but it might be better than nothing for the times when the pain is very bad.

I'm assuming she's taking NSAIDS around the clock.  Even if she could only do it for a few days, she might get some significant relief if she takes it consistently.

Also, ice packs to her tail bone several times a day religiously may help a good bit.  

She sounds miserable.  

[AndiJ78]

I broke my tailbone delivering my last baby. I am now 7 months PP and am still in a great deal of pain. My doc says that it can take years to heal and for the pain to go away, if ever. Sorry I cannot offer better news, but a broken tailbone is next to impossible to heal due to the strength of the pelvic floor muscles. They even have a surgery they can do for it, but the success rate is low as those very same muscles tend to undo the surgeons work in short order.

I had to stop the pain pills as they were affecting my nursing infant,  so I live my life in pain ; ( Have her talk to her doctor and see if they can find alternate meds or even a referral to pain management  doctor who will be better suited to figure out a combination of meds for her.

[AnnieBrooke]

She might consider acupuncture.  Try for an acupuncturist who is also an MD if findable in your area, or just one who comes well recommended.  I did acupuncture on the advice of my M.D. when I had IVF and really liked it.

[tmv]

Thanks, I knew you ladies could help me out! I'll give her the info and hope for a speedy recovery for her. Thanks again!