bruised tailbone

[amplcsw]

Slipped off the bed and fell on my butt 3 weeks ago.  Tailbone is still sore if I sit back.  Hurts some when lying on my back.  Been taking anti inflamatories and soaking in the hot tub.  Still hurts.  How long does this take to heal?

[mdaft]

Hi I'm 20 years old and have been in an extreme amount of pain from a "bruised tailbone". I quoted that because I think there's something else wrong. It feels like my tail bone moves (feels like its snapping or catching on a nerve) whenever I move left or right while sitting. For instance when I take a left turn while driving my tailbone snaps to the right. Also when I sit or stand my tailbone seems to curve to the right. This has been going on for about 4 months. I also suffer from fibromialgia so I really don't need this added pain. The pain meds I take for my FM dont help at all with my tailbone pain but my doc doesn't want me on any more pain meds so yeah...also I never fell or did anything to bruise my tailbone so that's also why I think its something different.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

With the type of injury, considering your age; I would suggest getting the back pain evaluated by a primary care physician to rule out fractures, muscular/ ligamental injuries etc., to be on the safer side. If it is indeed a bruise it may take anything from a week to a couple of months to heal depending on the severity. Meanwhile you may try application of ice-packs and/ or NSAIDS for relief. Vitamin C supplements may also help with the healing process.
Hope this helps.

Take care!