Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
Font Size
A
A
A

Tailbone Injury Treatment

Call 911 if:

  • There are signs of spinal cord injury along with tailbone injury caused by a fall.

Symptoms of spinal cord injury include:

  • Severe neck or back pain
  • Paralysis in part of the body
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Weakness in the legs or arms

If any of these symptoms are present, avoid moving the person.

1. Reduce Pain and Pressure

  • Ice tailbone every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days or until pain goes away.
  • Give an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.
  • Have the person use a "doughnut cushion" (from a medical supply store) or small inflatable inner tube when sitting.
  • Avoid constipation. Give plenty of fluids and fiber in diet.

 

2. See a Health Care Provider

3. Follow Up

  • The health care provider will do an X-ray and possibly an MRI, CT scan, or bone scan to check for fracture.
  • Usually, continued home treatment is recommended.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

View Article Sources Sources
Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on October 04, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

FIRST AID A-Z

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD the app

Get first aid information. Whenever. Wherever... with your iPhone, iPad or Android.

Find Out More