Crack in the coccyx: symptoms and methods of treatment. Coccyx fissure symptoms and how to act before the ambulance arrives Coccyx fissure damage to the intestine

You can get injured in different situations, even just walking and enjoying the fresh air. When falling, it is possible to injure any part of the body, the coccyx and nearby soft tissues are often damaged. According to statistics, most often coccyx injuries occur in children, the beautiful half of humanity in their youth and the elderly. In infants, these injuries can be explained by falls, in women by the anatomy of the pelvic region, and in older people by a decrease in bone density.

Types of injuries

Falls on the buttocks often lead to injury to the sacrococcygeal region. All damage of this localization can be divided as follows:

Sprain.
Rupture of the coccyx ligaments.
bruise().
dislocation ().
Subluxation of the coccyx.
Fracture of the coccyx (with or without displacement) and fracture dislocation.
Combination of all types of injuries.

An unpleasant injury is considered a crack on the coccyx. It is very difficult to determine it, and only a doctor after diagnosis will be able to determine the cause of the pain, but the patient should also pay attention to some symptoms that indicate this type of injury.

What symptoms should make you go to a specialist for help? What diagnostic methods will reveal a crack?

The symptoms of a coccyx fissure cannot be overlooked, they are so pronounced that the patient cannot ignore them:

severe pain at the bottom of the spine in the sacrococcygeal region;
swelling, hematoma;
pain when walking, its maximum increase when sitting (inability to sit), bending forward, getting up from a sitting position, defecation, arbitrary tension of the pelvic floor muscles;
general health deteriorates.

It should be noted that these symptoms can also be observed with other injuries of the coccygeal region, therefore, only a specialist can establish the “severity” of damage on the basis of an additional examination.

It is important to correctly diagnose the injury, because the crack can be confused with a bruise, dislocation. Only a timely diagnosis can protect the patient from undesirable consequences. If the first symptoms suddenly appear, it is urgent to consult a doctor and undergo an examination. After confirming the diagnosis, the correct treatment will be selected.

If there are symptoms, then it is worth getting tested. What exactly, we will consider further.

Only with the correct diagnosis will the appropriate treatment be selected. A person with severe pain in the coccyx performs:

external examination and external palpation;
assessment of the condition of the coccyx as a result of rectal examination;
radiography of the sacrococcygeal region in three projections (direct posterior, lateral and oblique).

It is the x-ray that gives detailed information about the damage, but when its results are not enough, additional methods are prescribed:

sphincterometry;
balloonography.

Only after it is precisely established that the symptoms indicated precisely the crack, treatment is prescribed.

Treatment of a patient with a crack in the coccyx should begin with first aid even before going to the doctor. The patient must be laid so that he does not come into contact with the damaged part of the surface - lying on his stomach or side. Ice should be put on the coccyx. You should give the victim painkillers and take him to the doctor.

First of all, it is necessary that the patient be provided with bed rest (always lying on his stomach). It is allowed to roll over on your back for some time so that bedsores do not form, but only a circle should be placed under the coccyx.

To facilitate defecation, enemas are prescribed so that the crack does not become a complete fracture. After its application, the load on the pelvic floor muscles and sphincters is reduced. For a quick recovery in the patient's diet, it is necessary to include foods enriched with calcium: milk, cottage cheese, bran bread. But do not forget about greens, fish, sesame seeds, hazelnuts, cabbage and persimmons. Doctors also advise replenishing the body with silicon reserves, it helps to absorb calcium. There is a lot of silicon in cauliflower, currants and radishes.

Treatment with drugs is based primarily on pain relief, the use of analgesics is recommended, in some cases the use of ointments is recommended. But it is worth remembering that if there is any damage to the skin or a fistula has formed in the coccyx, then the ointment should never be used. Of the analgesics, Ketorolac, Ketoprofen (no more than 5 days), Diclofenac (about a week), Meloxicam (possibly long-term use). With the ineffectiveness of NSAIDs, Tramadol, novocaine blockades are added.

During the rehabilitation period, after the elimination of acute symptoms, doctors also recommend the following treatments:

massage;
physiotherapy;

Properly selected treatment will help to remove the symptoms in 30-50 days. If you do not start on time or do not complete the full course, the consequences can be serious and harm the entire body.

Consequences

The coccyx is part of the spine, so a crack, bruise or fracture that is not treated properly is fraught with serious consequences. One of the complications is post-traumatic coccygodynia. If you do not pay attention to the injury in time, even a slight load on the spine can cause unbearable pain. Sitting position, standing up, tilting can provoke a sharp pain syndrome. This pathology is treated for a long time, leads to depression and increased levels of anxiety.

A feature of coccygodynia is that it can manifest itself through long time after an injury, and the patient usually does not associate pain with a fissure or fracture of the coccyx, which he once suffered.

Complications include the development of osteomyelitis of the coccygeal segment (rarely in patients with immunodeficiency and chronic foci of infection).

Therefore, you should not ignore the treatment, at the first symptoms, aching pain in the coccyx area, you need to seek the advice of a doctor. Only an ambulance and properly selected treatment will help to avoid serious and irreparable consequences of the injury.

In its structure, the coccyx is an element consisting of fused vertebrae. Muscles and ligaments are attached to it, holding the organs of the genitourinary system and loops of the large intestine in the correct anatomical position. Bunches of the gluteus maximus muscle are also attached to it. The coccyx serves as a fulcrum when tilting the body back. It helps to redistribute the physical load on the pelvic structure. It is not difficult to injure this part, the symptoms of a coccyx fissure after a fall immediately make themselves felt.

Causes of a crack in the coccyx

Most common cause coccyx injury - fall on the buttocks

A sharp landing on the buttocks is not the only factor that can provoke a violation of the integrity of the described spine.

In women, the appearance of characteristic lesions becomes possible during difficult childbirth: the passage of a large fetus through the birth canal quite often causes displacement of the sacrococcygeal joint. In such a situation, his bones may crack.

The appearance of a crack in the elderly happens due to the development of osteoporosis or a lack of nutrients with a poor diet.

Long-term monotonous impact of shock or vibrating force on the coccyx area is considered dangerous: driving with shaking, certain working conditions.

At risk are athletes who are fond of winter sports, road users, patients who have previously been diagnosed with a spinal fracture.

Classification and clinical manifestations

When injuring the coccyx, you can get different injuries: sprain and rupture of ligaments, bruise, subluxation and dislocation, fracture without displacement and with it. Crack is a common occurrence. In medicine, this term refers to an unfinished fracture. He can be:

vertical - is formed with excessive flexion and extension of the body;
horizontal - appears when falling on the buttocks;
oblique - formed due to an impact made at an angle.

With long and frequent cycling or horseback riding, multiple microcracks often appear. Regardless of the cause of the appearance, the described injury causes a person to experience severe pain. They arise at the bottom of the spine, spill into the pelvis, intensify in a sitting or lying position.

When a crack appears in the coccyx, it becomes painful to walk. Discomfort is aggravated during bowel movements and with tension of the muscles of the small pelvis. In the area of injury, the skin turns red and becomes swollen. A hematoma forms on the surface of the cover. Similar manifestations are characteristic of other injuries of the lower spine. An ordinary person cannot independently understand what is happening to him. Only a traumatologist or surgeon is able to determine the nature of the injury.

Diagnosis and treatment

To determine the type of injury, you need to contact an orthopedic traumatologist. At the first examination, he collects an anamnesis and palpates the diseased area. This allows you to identify pathological mobility, points of pain and the presence of muscle tension. Due to the similarity of the clinical picture of a bruise and sprain, cracks and fractures, it is imperative to take an x-ray. It is performed in two projections. If this procedure is ineffective, an MRI is prescribed. In the presence of a hematoma, ultrasound of the surrounding soft tissues becomes justified, with the help of which other internal injuries can be excluded.

First aid

If a lower spine injury is suspected, care should be taken before the doctor arrives. The patient must be placed in a horizontal position so that the coccyx area does not come into contact with anything - on the side or on the stomach. Experts recommend applying ice or a cold heating pad to the injury site. With unbearable pain, you can give an analgesic, be sure to write down the name and dosage.

Therapy Methods

When confirming the diagnosis, the patient is shown bed rest. He should spend all the time of treatment in a position on his stomach or on his side on a hard couch. You can roll over on your back if you first put a rubber protective circle under the lower sections of the spine. Any wrong movement can lead to the fact that the crack will turn into a fracture.

You can't bother. For the implementation of defecation, patients need to do enemas. This bowel movement reduces the load on the pelvic muscles.

Promotes rapid recovery proper nutrition. The diet should contain foods that contain calcium and silicon, which are necessary for bone splicing. Greens, fish, hazelnuts, cabbage, cheese, cottage cheese, currants, radishes and cauliflower are rich in these trace elements.

To eliminate pain, doctors prescribe analgesics: Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Ketoprofen. To enhance the effect, sometimes injections are given simultaneously and ointments and creams are used. If a crack in the coccyx appeared as a result of internal changes, etiotropic treatment is carried out, aimed at eliminating the cause of the formation of the described defect.

rehabilitation period

After the acute period is over, the therapeutic regimen must include:

physiotherapy exercises: a specially designed complex helps to improve tissue trophism, prevent the appearance of bedsores, increase muscle tone, restore blood microcirculation where it has been disturbed;
massage: properly selected techniques help to relax the zones located next to the injured area;
physiotherapy procedures: at the first stage, paraffin applications, electrophoresis with calcium, nicotinic acid and aminophylline, at the second stage, UVR, UHF, magnetotherapy;
hirudotherapy and balneological procedures consolidate the therapeutic result.

The crack heals in one to two months. During this period, it is strictly forbidden to take hot baths, sharp turns of the body, jumping, active sports, the use of ointments with a warming effect.

Possible complications and consequences

Any cracks must be treated, otherwise there is a risk of post-traumatic coccygodynia. It is characterized by the presence of constant chronic pain: dull or aching, stabbing or shooting. The syndrome is always aggravated by palpation of the injured area. At the same time, the person turns very pale, he periodically sweats.

Limited movement is gradually formed, the gait changes, it becomes difficult to sit and bend over. The condition worsens with the appearance of a feeling of heaviness in the sacro-vertebral region. A neglected pathology is difficult to treat. Coccygodynia may not appear immediately: a week or a year after the injury.

Patients after fissure treatment often complain of migraine. Women in the future may have problems with childbirth. Another unpleasant complication is the formation of callus. If it is present in a sitting position, a person always has discomfort.

Prevention and prognosis

The ability to fall correctly is the best prevention of the described defect. If you lose your balance, do not fall on your back. We need to group up and roll. Experts advise training at home using soft mats.

You need to constantly strengthen the immune system, eat right. Some foods contain elements that make cartilage and bones stronger. If it is not possible to constantly control your diet, you can take dietary supplements twice a year, which contain calcium and vitamin D. Such measures will not avoid injury, but will help prevent cracks due to malfunctions inside the body. It is important to observe safety precautions when riding in vehicles and on horseback.

If there are signs of an injury to the lower part of the spine, it is necessary to seek help from specialists in a timely manner, to achieve the correct diagnosis and the appointment of adequate treatment. Compliance with the recommendations of the attending physician will prevent the occurrence of undesirable consequences. This is the only way to maintain health without wasting time.

In most cases, the injury occurs after a fall on the buttocks. Slightly less often, the lower part of the spine is damaged after being hit with a blunt object. It is possible to break the coccygeal bone during childbirth, but this rarely happens. This usually happens if the child is large, and the woman in labor has a narrow pelvis, if the fetus is incorrectly located, or the pregnant woman has injured the bone in the break.

A fall on the buttocks is one of the most common causes of a fracture.

According to statistics, the coccyx is most often injured in such situations:

When falling from a height at home or at work, if a person violates safety precautions. In winter, with ice or on a wet floor.
After jumping into a body of water with little depth.
After hitting the coccyx with a blunt heavy object.

Reference. With osteoporosis and other diseases of the bone tissue, a person can injure the lower spine during a sharp turn, tilt, shaking while riding a vehicle, cycling, etc.

People who are under the influence of alcohol are often injured.

Damage to the lower spine is possible after a direct blow in such cases:

major accident at the technical site.
Natural disasters such as earthquakes.
domestic conflicts.
Power sports, team games. In most cases, wrestlers, football players, hockey players, etc. are injured.

It is also possible to injure the coccyx during an accident.

A fissure in the coccyx is an injury in which the integrity of the bone is broken, but not completely.

Reference. If cracks in the bone tissue appear frequently, then this may indicate increased bone fragility, which is typical for osteoporosis. In a child under 5 years old, frequent cracks are a sign of rickets.

There are such types of cracks:

Vertical - occurs when excessive flexion or extension.
Horizontal - appears after falling on the buttocks.
Oblique - is the result of falling at an angle.

After a whiplash external impact, a longitudinal crack occurs. The integrity of bones can be broken due to excessive weight, passive lifestyle, regular constipation. Then the bodies of the coccyx are displaced, their tissues become more fragile and with a slight impact (a sharp landing on a hard surface), a crack appears.

Symptoms of a crack in the coccyx:

Pain in the lower back, aggravated by sitting or lying down.
Difficulties with movement.
Redness, swelling, bruising.
Pain radiates to the legs.

A crack in the coccyx is treated with conservative methods. The patient should be in bed, eat right. To relieve pain, analgesics are used in the form of tablets, ointments, creams. After the elimination of the pain syndrome, exercise therapy, physiotherapy, and massage are prescribed. Subject to the recommendations of the doctor, the crack heals in 4 to 8 weeks.

The causes of a tailbone fracture in children are the rapid growth of bones, their increased flexibility and fragility. In addition, it is for children that a crack is typical after falling on the buttocks, for example, when riding on an ice rink, unsuccessful landings on the buttocks when jumping. In the youngest children, trauma is most often associated with underdevelopment of coordination of movements and weakness of the musculoskeletal system, which also leads to frequent falls.

In elderly patients, a fracture of the coccyx is associated with a deficiency of calcium in the bone tissue, which leads to a decrease in bone strength and deformation even with minor loads.

Most often, a tailbone fracture occurs when falling on the buttocks.

Elderly people, like children, have impaired coordination of movement, which leads to frequent falls and a possible fracture of the coccygeal bone. Unlike younger patients, tissue regeneration slows down with age, so the recovery process after an injury is much harder and longer.

In an adult, a tailbone fracture, in most cases, occurs due to a fall or a blunt blow to the surface of the lower spine. Many women are interested in whether it is possible to break the tailbone during childbirth. Very rarely, the coccyx can break in women during childbirth, namely when the baby moves through the birth canal.

Risk factors include:

calcium deficiency;
osteoporosis;
weakness and underdevelopment of the muscular apparatus;
prolonged shaking while driving on a hard surface;
intense physical activity, especially without prior training.

The coccyx is a component of the musculoskeletal system, thanks to which the load is evenly distributed to the pelvic area. There are various reasons for such a pathology, and this is mainly observed when the buttock zone is damaged. Injury can occur when there is ice and when athletes do not follow the technique of jumping.

In addition, the following factors can provoke an injury to the coccyx:

Family activity. With a sufficiently large fetus or its incorrect presentation, when it moves along the birth canal, a woman experiences a displacement of the sacrococcygeal joint.
Accidents on the road. In such a situation, the victim may be diagnosed different kinds injuries, including a fracture.
Severe injury. With damage of this type, the patient's external structure of the vertebrae is destroyed.

To provoke a displacement of the bones can be too long a monotonous effect on the coccygeal zone. With frequent movements with shaking and other circumstances, there is a high probability of injury and mainly these are cracks. The cause of damage can be osteoporosis, that is, a violation of the strength of bones when calcium and elastic fibers are washed out of it.

The most common cause of coccyx injury is a fall on the buttocks.

A sharp landing on the buttocks is not the only factor that can provoke a violation of the integrity of the described spine.

The appearance of a crack in the elderly happens due to the development of osteoporosis or a lack of nutrients with a poor diet.

Long-term monotonous impact of shock or vibrating force on the coccyx area is considered dangerous: driving with shaking, certain working conditions.

At risk are athletes who are fond of winter sports, road users, patients who have previously been diagnosed with a spinal fracture.

Signs of a tailbone fracture

The symptoms of a fracture and a crack are very similar. However, symptoms alone may not be enough to determine the diagnosis. The main symptom of a broken coccyx is sudden pain at the site of injury. Particularly severe pain worries during the first few days after injury.

In addition, the victim may experience certain symptoms with a tailbone fracture:

injury to the epidermis and adjacent tissues;
bleeding;
discomfort when walking;
tissue swelling;
hematomas in the area of damage;
discomfort when trying to empty the intestines;
pain during rectal examination.

In a child and adults, after a fracture, there may be a slight swelling of the tissues or a hematoma. When the intestine is injured, bloody impurities may appear in the stool and the urge to go to the toilet becomes more frequent. With such a pathology as an open fracture of the coccyx with displacement, bone fragments are observed.

Classification and clinical manifestations

The coccyx breaks less frequently than other sections of the spinal column. Less significant injuries are more common: contusion, dislocation, subluxation.

However, any strong mechanical impact leads to discomfort during urination, defecation and sex (in women).

An injury that worries you requires specialist advice, and a displaced fracture entails mandatory surgery.

Damage can be traumatic or pathological. Most often in medicine there is a pathology called coccygodynia due to the localization of pain (“coccyx” - coccyx).

Its cause may be trauma or inflammatory and degenerative changes in the coccygeal region.

Moreover, pain sensations sometimes begin to appear only 6 months after injury, which prevents patients from associating the very fact of damage and the consequences.

The occurrence of a fracture of the coccyx due to traumatic factors is more common. Let's see what the main reasons might be:

a fall from a height or any violent fall (reaching for an object from a chair, skating, during icy conditions, etc.);
spinal injury during an accident;
complicated childbirth (passage of the fetus through narrow hips);
sports, careless physical activity;
severe shaking during prolonged cycling or snowmobiling;
lack of calcium, as a result - fragility of bones.

A fracture occurs, or you get by with just a bruise, largely depends on how you group correctly, and on the size of your soft tissue, which prevents damage and softens the impact on the “tail”.

In medicine, it is customary to distinguish three main types of fracture:

fracture-dislocation;
displaced fracture;
fracture without displacement.

Consider the most painful outcome - a fracture of the coccyx with displacement, the treatment of which is a rather complicated process. This type of injury makes movement difficult, due to the fact that displaced bone fragments injure bundles of nerves and vessels located in the area of damage.

The pain and difficulty of movement with such an injury is not the worst thing, because the bone is displaced, and the fusion process is not so simple. In severe cases, doctors may decide to remove the affected bone altogether.

Complications of a displaced fracture: suppuration and abscess in the lower pelvis due to surgery to remove fragments. This also leads to disruption of the defecation process, which adds to the inconvenience to the victim.

For women planning to become a mother, a displaced fracture is in most cases an indication for caesarean section. The mobility of the broken coccyx decreases, which makes the birth process difficult, a lot depends on the width of the hips future mother.

Important! If a woman wants to have a baby only naturally, she needs to take care of this even before pregnancy: take an x-ray and consult a qualified gynecologist-obstetrician.

Symptoms of such an injury are always pronounced. It is important to understand whether a fracture or bruise has occurred.

The first clear symptoms of a fracture include:

acute pain in the coccygeal region;
difficulty moving (in especially severe cases, a person cannot rise independently);
swelling and swelling in the area of damage;
increased pain when moving, sitting, defecation, coughing.

Important! If a number of symptoms from the list are detected, the victim must be provided with emergency assistance.

The patient should be at rest, it is better to lay him on his side in a stable position so that the injured spine does not come into contact with a hard surface.

If the patient is unable to move independently or with someone else's help, it is urgent to call an ambulance. An examination will be carried out at the emergency room, and an x-ray will be taken to determine the exact diagnosis and exclude a fracture of other parts of the spine.

A number of simple signs will help not to confuse a bruise with a fracture. This is the nature of the pain and its intensity: if it is a bruise, the pain goes away, if it is a fracture, the pain is sharp, during movement it manifests itself constantly.

The presence of a bruise on the damaged area is a frequent companion of a fracture, and it is absent with a bruise. Also, pain and difficulty during calorie eruption are characteristic of a fracture. Often, blood can be seen in the stool. There are rare cases of open fracture of the coccyx.

This can happen when the pelvis is severely injured during a serious car accident. Then we can see bone fragments in the damaged area.

Important! The pain of a bruise will pass, and the person will lead a normal active life, but in case of ongoing pain, immediate assistance is required in order to normalize the patient's condition and minimize possible consequences.

A fracture of the rudimentary process leads to the defeat of various parts of the human body. A hematoma may occur, suppuration and inflammation in the injured area will be added to it.

After 7-10 days, the hematoma will begin to disappear. Approximately at the same time (on the fifth or seventh day after the injury), the primary soft callus begins to form, which will serve as a layer between the fragments, connecting them.

In the future, it transforms into a bone callus (approximately on the 40th day), this will be the final stage of self-healing of the fracture.

Until the completion of this process, surgeons will still be able to correctly compare the fragments without disturbing the physiology.

In case of improper union, the curvature can only be corrected with a new fracture made by surgery. That is why it is so important to see a doctor immediately after an injury.

Lack of treatment leads to injuries that at first glance may seem unrelated to a fall on the coccyx.

When the bone is damaged, the sacrococcygeal ligaments are also affected, they are stretched, and sometimes even ruptured, the tendons of the coccygeal muscle and the muscle responsible for the anus are deformed.

This can lead to constipation, the occurrence of corns, fistulas, growths, inflammation of the coccyx nerve plexus, and the development of gout.

The victim may experience a recurrent headache that does not go away. There was a displacement of the bone marrow at the time of injury: due to the tension of the membranes, compression of the brain tissue and cerebral vessels occurs. Most patients look elsewhere for the cause of this disorder, but do not attribute it to damage.

The methods of treatment that the doctor will undertake will depend on the type of fracture received, there are three of them, we analyzed them at the beginning of the article. Plays a role and the statute of limitations of the injury. The fracture can be fresh, no later than 3 weeks. At this time, the callus at the fracture site has not yet had time to form, and the treatment will be easier, there will be no need to break the coccyx again.

Old or chronic fractures have a statute of limitations of more than a month. A coccyx injury is also classified as non-union if the fracture has not healed within one month. There are also cases when a fracture that has not fused in 2-3 months forms a false joint.

Possible complications also play an important role. A fracture of the coccyx can be aggravated by bleeding, damage to the rectum by fragments, osteomyelitis and other unpleasant and even dangerous consequences.

Any treatment should begin with the provision of first aid (rest, cold, painkillers). Recall that if the pain does not go away, and there are suspicions that this is not a bruise, but something more serious, the help of a doctor is needed.

In a medical institution, diagnostics are carried out at the initial stage. It consists of examination, history taking and rectal examination with fingers.

Since any strong impact on the coccyx, in addition to a bruise, has similar symptoms, an x-ray is taken. In some cases, computed tomography or MRI, as well as soft tissue ultrasound, may be needed.

All this will allow medical personnel to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

General rules Treatments include surgery to reposition the fragments. The patient must be prescribed strict bed rest, this will have a beneficial effect on the formation of callus, the process will accelerate. Anesthesia - both general and local. Taking bone-strengthening drugs to prevent osteoporosis is vitamin D and calcium. Physiotherapy.

A certain type of injury requires individual treatment. With a closed fracture without displacement, surgery will be excluded. The patient will need rest, a special orthopedic seat cushion is called upon to facilitate the course of the recovery stage.

It will also help to take laxatives in order to smooth out the pain during the act of defecation. If a closed fracture involves displacement, an operation will be performed with reposition of the fragments and reduction of the sacrococcygeal joint. Immobilization of the patient will be the same as in the first case.

The most complex operation may require an open fracture, since in this case traumatic shock and tissue rupture join the fracture. A similar case may require the removal of the coccygeal process. Further pain relief and anti-inflammatory therapy will occur, as in the first cases.

During the bed rest phase, the patient may lie prone to prevent bedsores. For their prevention, special sprays can be prescribed.

In addition to taking drugs and vitamins with calcium, foods high in calcium (cottage cheese, fish, nuts, bran, sesame, etc.) should prevail in the diet.

Together with it, it is necessary to increase the intake of silicon, it has a positive effect on the better absorption of calcium in the body (radish, cauliflower, currant berries, etc.).

After healing, it is desirable to carry out massages, therapeutic physical exercises and physiotherapy. Compliance with all appointments guarantees relief from symptoms on average over a period of 1.5 months.

All this will allow you to recover faster, and the patient will return to the mainstream of normal life, rather resume normal physical activity.

How to distinguish a fracture of the coccyx from a bruise

It is possible to determine that a person has a broken coccyx by the characteristic symptoms. A characteristic manifestation of this fracture is severe sudden pain, aggravated by an attempt to empty the intestines, and any physical activity. In a situation where a person experiences pain that does not increase during defecation and sometimes worries during exercise, this can serve as a manifestation of a coccyx bruise.

The patient should know how to understand that the coccyx is broken. Another difference between this type of injury and a simple bruise is a hematoma. When a person is bruised, there are no clearly visible bruises. At a fracture, the formation of an extensive hematoma is noted. The size of the bruise on the body is determined by which vessels were damaged.

The listed symptoms in children and adults are taken into account only for the preliminary determination of the injury. To make a diagnosis, a research method such as radiography is required.

Fracture of the coccyx is an acute traumatic condition, expressed in violation of the integrity of the coccygeal vertebrae.

It does not occur as often as other types of fractures, since the segmental bone is well protected from external influences.

However, in the event of an injury, a person can get a large number of serious complications.

In the article, you will learn everything about the symptoms of a tailbone fracture, as well as about home treatment and the consequences of an injury.

The coccyx is an important element of the entire musculoskeletal system. He participates in the correct physiological distribution of loads on the small pelvis. As mentioned above, in humans, fractures of this component of the spine occur infrequently. The most likely causes of a tailbone fracture are usually:

Fall on the buttocks from medium or high heights. Most often in this situation, the upper part of the coccyx suffers;
Childbirth. In women who have a very large fetus or an incorrect presentation of the child, the sacrococcygeal joint may be mixed during its passage through the birth canal;
A strong direct blow to the coccyx. It usually damages the outer structure of the vertebrae;
car accident. In road traffic accidents, any type of injury is possible, including a fracture of the coccyx;
Prolonged monotonous or serial force impact on the coccyx area. Constant driving with shaking, features of the work process, other circumstances can contribute to injury, most often these are cracks.

Consider how to distinguish a bruise from a fracture of the coccyx. Due to the fact that the coccyx has good protection against damage, quite often this segment of the spine does not lend itself to fracture - a bruise is formed instead. How to distinguish these acute conditions in order to know whether it is necessary to go to the hospital immediately, or to wait and visit a doctor in the clinic?

Main criteria:

Bruising. With a coccyx bruise, they are absent, but with a serious fracture, they form very quickly;
Pain syndrome. With a fracture of the coccyx, the pain is sharp and sharp, often does not subside for a long time. A bruise is characterized by a stepwise intensity and periods of remission with attenuation of pain for a while;
Defecation. With a fracture or crack formation, a quick urge to defecate is formed, the process itself is very difficult and painful, which does not happen with ordinary bruises.

Traumatologists divide coccyx injury into 3 main types:

Fracture without displacement. The classic case without complications;
Displaced coccyx fracture. Rare, can negatively affect the spinal cord;
Fracture dislocation. Includes dislocations and subluxations, occurs most often.

True fractures of the coccyx with a fracture of the bones of the processes are usually detected in older people suffering from osteoporosis or complex chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Their skeletal system is very fragile, and even with a not too serious impact, a fracture can occur.

Dislocations are common in children, fracture-dislocations are predominantly diagnosed in young women.

Signs of a tailbone fracture are usually quite pronounced. First of all, the patient feels a strong and sharp pain in the coccyx area. It is greatly enhanced by any motor activity, not even too intense, for example, when coughing, not to mention walking and other activities.

Extensive swelling is observed in the fracture area, the victim cannot be in a sitting position, has difficulty trying to move, defecation and urination are difficult, and if they occur, they are accompanied by acute pain.

Injury diagnosis

The doctor is obliged to conduct an initial examination of the patient, including palpation of the potential fracture zone for pain, checking reflexes, as well as a general examination with the collection of anamnesis and additional information from the patient or accompanying him about the circumstances preceding the injury.

Finally, it can be determined only on the basis of instrumental research methods.

The main method of diagnosis is radiography. It is performed in at least 2 projections (full face and profile), allows you to exhaustively determine the presence of a fracture, its type and complexity with precise localization.

Myelography and densitometry are used as additional methods. They allow you to clarify the degree of damage to the vertebrae and their surrounding structures, as well as to identify a number of negative factors that contribute to a fracture (for example, osteoporosis).

If the injury is very serious and there is a suspicion of damage to the spinal cord attached to the upper edge of the coccyx, then the doctor may prescribe additional computed tomography and MRI.

Problems associated with the coccyx occur in people absolutely different ages. It can be bruises or (which is much more unpleasant) - fractures.

Depending on how the coccyx was damaged, the type, location of the fracture and further actions related to its restoration are determined.

For example, if there was a fall on the buttocks, then, as a rule, the tip of the coccyx suffers. Children often have dislocations of the coccyx.

The coccyx is the lower part of the human spine, consisting of 3-5 fused vertebrae. Its Greek name is "cuckoo". Both words are associated with the beak shape of the bone. The base of the coccyx is turned up, and the tip is forward and down.

On the sides, the 1st (largest) coccygeal vertebra has transverse processes, and coccygeal horns extend from it above, which, connecting with the sacrum, play a role in the formation of the sacrococcygeal junction. Mobility in it is more pronounced in the weak half of humanity.

By the way, during childbirth, the coccygeal part can deviate back, increasing the size of the birth canal.

It is believed that the coccyx refers to the rudiment, i.e. an organ that has lost its main significance in the process of evolution. For this reason, it is also called the vestigial tail. However, the coccygeal part has a rather important functional significance.

Firstly, it is needed for attaching the muscles and ligaments involved in the work of the urogenital organs and the distal (most remote) sections of the large intestine. Secondly, muscle bundles of the gluteus maximus muscle are attached to the coccyx, which serves as the strongest hip extensor.

Well, and thirdly, he takes part in the distribution of physical load on the anatomical structures of the pelvis, and at the same time is an important fulcrum, when tilting back, part of the load is transferred to the coccyx.

The coccyx is very prone to injury, especially in the winter season. Most often, after falls, there are bruises of the coccyx, or closed (rarely open) fractures with or without displacement. Also often there are incomplete fractures - a break or a crack. Dislocations and fracture-dislocations of the coccyx are not uncommon, with the former predominating in children.

With a bruise at the site of injury, as a rule, there is no bruising, and with a fracture, it is the first sign.
With a bruise, the pain syndrome can have different intensity and sometimes even disappear for a while, and with a fracture, the pain is sharp.
With a bruise, there are no painful sensations when coughing, sneezing, and, most importantly, during the act of defecation, and with a fracture, the opposite is true.

Falling on the buttocks, especially from a height (skating).
A direct strong blow to the coccyx during an accident.
The passage of a large fetus through the birth canal during childbirth.
Predisposing factors
- Frequent shaking in transport or on any hard seats (bicycle).
- Calcium deficiency and brittle bones.
- Incompetent muscular apparatus.
- Sports.

Attention! Be careful with the use of all kinds of ice cubes, "cheesecakes", etc. Never use a plastic ice rink with a smooth surface to ski down an ice mountain.

As for cheesecakes, it has long been known that they are also very traumatic, and especially many cases of treatment in medical institutions are associated with them.

Regular physical training (at least simple exercises).
Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Learning the right fall technique.

The first obvious signs of a tailbone fracture are:

sharp pain in the coccygeal part,
hyperemia (redness) and swelling in the coccyx area,
sensitivity in the coccygeal part,
difficult movement,
increased pain in the coccyx when sitting and getting up.

In the presence of such symptoms, first aid is provided to the victim. To do this, it is necessary to provide him with peace, which will help to avoid unnecessary movements that can lead to an increase in pain.

It is necessary to lay the victim on his side or stomach (the spine should not come into contact with any surface). Then cold must be applied to the injured area. Pain medication may be given to reduce pain.

In order to establish a reliable diagnosis, the traumatologist in the clinic will palpate the coccyx area, a rectal or vaginal examination can be performed (this is done in order to determine if there are bone fragments in this area), and a referral for x-rays will be issued. Based on these data, the specialist gives appropriate recommendations for further actions.

As for the treatment in the hospital itself, with an open fracture of the coccygeal part, doctors first stop the blood, treat the wound and take measures to prevent traumatic shock. In the case of a closed fracture, treatment is aimed primarily at eliminating swelling and pain.

The examination also necessarily includes x-rays. For the first few days, cleansing enemas may be prescribed by a doctor to prevent displacement during bowel movements.

Surgical intervention is performed only in case of improper splicing constituent parts coccyx - segments that create chronic pain and make defecation difficult due to squeezing. In this scenario, the segments that cause such troubles are removed.

rehabilitation period

After the acute period is over, the therapeutic regimen must include:

physiotherapy exercises: a specially designed complex helps to improve tissue trophism, prevent the appearance of bedsores, increase muscle tone, restore blood microcirculation where it has been disturbed;
massage: properly selected techniques help to relax the zones located next to the injured area;
physiotherapy procedures: at the first stage, paraffin applications, electrophoresis with calcium, nicotinic acid and aminophylline, at the second stage, UVR, UHF, magnetotherapy;
hirudotherapy and balneological procedures consolidate the therapeutic result.

What to do with a fracture of the coccyx

In case of a closed fracture of the coccyx, it is recommended to apply ice or something cold to the area of damage, which will relieve swelling of the tissues. In addition, it is important to monitor the state of organs respiratory system, because with loss of consciousness, the tongue may sink.

With an open injury, hemostasis is the main goal. It is possible to stop the release of blood by applying a special bandage and clamping the vessels in the area of damage. When carrying out such activities, the doctor should be quite careful and prevent an increase in the displacement of the vertebrae. In order to accelerate thrombus formation in the wound, drugs such as Vikasol and Etamzilat can be used.

It is necessary to carry out the transportation of the patient on a stretcher, laying him down on his stomach. Before this, splints should be applied to the injured area of the spinal column.

Fracture of the coccyx - the main symptoms and consequences

The coccyx is located at the very bottom of the spinal column, it consists of 3-5 vertebrae, which are fused together. The bone is beak-shaped, its base is directed upwards, and the upper part is downward and forward. Its first largest vertebra is connected to the sacrum by the coccygeal horns, thus forming the sacrococcygeal joint.

In children, a cartilage pad is placed between the vertebrae of the coccyx, so this area is mobile. Over time, these elements fuse and form a single bone.

Reference. The coccyx is practically a fixed area. Movements in it appear in women during childbirth, then the bone deviates back, expanding the birth canal.

The functions of the coccygeal bone are very important, muscles and ligaments are attached to it, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system, the most distant parts of the colon. In addition, bundles of the gluteus maximus muscle, which is involved in hip extension, are attached to its outer surface.

In most cases, coccyx injuries are diagnosed in patients aged 33-45 years (more often in men). Children and teenagers usually suffer from coccygeal vertebral dislocation.

Often, a tailbone fracture is combined with such injuries:

fracture dislocation (often combined with a fracture of the pelvic bones);
ligament rupture.

In most cases, there are such injuries of the lower spine:

Injury only to the vertebrae of the coccygeal bone.
Damage to one or more elements, in which the integrity of the intervertebral connections above or below the injured vertebrae is violated.
A fracture of the coccygeal bone, in which the nerve fibers are torn or torn.
Combined fracture of the coccyx and other segments of the spinal column.

More often, a closed fracture appears, in which the integrity of the skin over the injured area is not broken.

The weakest area that is usually damaged is the ossified sacrococcygeal joint. Synchondrosis (connections between the vertebrae of the coccyx) is also often damaged.

The most severe are comminuted fractures, in which the destruction of the intervertebral disc occurs, and its fragments move.

With an isolated injury, the spinal cord is not damaged, but the risk of pinching or rupture of the cauda equina (roots of the spinal nerves) increases.

According to the severity, there are uncomplicated and complicated fractures of the coccyx. The last type of injury is accompanied by damage to the nervous structures.

Depending on the mechanism of development, traumatic and pathological fractures are distinguished. The first occurs after an injury, and the second is associated with diseases of the bone tissue, for example, osteoporosis (increased fragility of the bone tissue), bone tuberculosis, osteomyelitis (purulent-necrotic process in the bones and bone marrow), neoplasms. Pathological fractures appear after minimal exposure.

An old fracture is an injury that has been more than 4 weeks since the onset. For comparison, a fresh injury is considered if no more than 3 weeks have passed since the fracture.

Ununited is called a coccyx fracture, in which the bones did not grow together after a month. A false joint is a condition in which there is no ossification for 2 to 3 months.

A true fracture of the coccygeal bone, when small bone processes are damaged, is extremely rare. More often, the ligaments of the sacrococcygeal junction are damaged or the vertebrae of the lower spine are displaced.

Symptoms of a tailbone fracture:

sharp pain in the lower back;
pathological mobility, which is accompanied by a crunch of bones;
increased muscle tone in the damaged area;
redness and swelling over the coccyx.

It is difficult for the victim to move his legs, and when sitting and standing up, the pain syndrome becomes more pronounced.

A broken coccyx is manifested by a sharp piercing pain, which often spreads to the surrounding tissues. Over time, it becomes aching in nature, but intensifies when you try to empty your bowels or sit down. Discomfort often increases while walking.

Signs of damage to the cauda equina after a fracture of the coccygeal bone:

pain in the lower back, which radiates to the lower extremities;
violation of sensitivity in the region of the coccyx, sacrum, groin;
feeling of numbness, tingling of the legs;
in the worst case, the sensitivity of the lower extremities completely disappears;
weakening of the muscles below the coccyx, complete paralysis is possible;
violation of defecation, which is manifested by constipation, a violation of control over the process of emptying the intestines, a violation of the sensitivity of the anus;
disorders of the functionality of the bladder, then there is ischuria (urinary retention), a decrease in the sensitivity of the sphincter of the urethra.

With osteoporosis, the likelihood of combined fractures increases, then the symptoms are diverse.

With a crushed fracture, there is pain, nausea, profuse vomiting, which does not bring relief, a delay in the discharge of gas and stool.

Reference. A fracture of the coccygeal bone differs from a bruise in that in the first case there is a bruise, but in the second it is not. When the integrity of the bone is broken, piercing pain appears, and when it is bruised, its intensity changes. For a fracture of the coccyx, an increase in pain during coughing, sneezing, sitting is characteristic, but not with a bruise.

A compression fracture of the coccyx may have delayed symptoms that appear after several months. Then a crack appears on the bone, and then at minimal physical activity the bone fragment comes off. Then there is pain and swelling.

The spinal cord is damaged. Then the victim feels constant pain during movement (especially when trying to sit down).
Migraine-like headaches develop, which are difficult to get rid of even after taking analgesics.
Complications during childbirth. If a pregnant woman has previously suffered a fracture of the coccyx, then during its physiological displacement, she will feel severe pain. It is necessary to treat such injuries at the stage of pregnancy planning.
The formation of callus (rough growth) at the site of the fracture. Then there is chronic pain in the pelvis, which increases when a person sits or tries to stand up. Salts may be deposited at the site of the fracture.
Cococygodynia - persistent pain in the area of the coccygeal bone. Most often, women suffer from it. The pain syndrome becomes more pronounced when the patient sits, walks or tries to empty the intestines. Coccygodynia is caused by damage to the nerves that surround the coccyx or periosteum.
The functionality of the genitourinary organs or the colon is impaired if the bone moves forward. There is severe pain in the sitting position, especially when the back is slightly tilted back.
A cyst is formed with a channel outward between the buttocks.

These consequences provoke constant pain that reduces the quality of life and does not allow a person to perform their usual activities.

Understanding that the injury is serious is very simple. The main symptom of a tailbone fracture is a severe shooting pain in the lower part of the spinal column. The pain is constant, aggravated by exertion, sudden movements and attempts to move. A hematoma forms at the site of injury and, as a result, redness or blueness of the skin in the coccyx area. Also, patients note significant difficulties with bowel movements due to sharply increasing pain when straining.

What happens if a fracture is left untreated?

Incorrect or untimely therapy of coccyx injury can lead to various pathologies that are practically untreatable.

The lower edge of the spinal cord is attached to the coccygeal bone, while the upper edge is attached to the skull. The displacement of the coccygeal fragments leads to the fact that the fragments of the bone press on the spinal cord, which leads to compression of the vessels of the brain. In this regard, many patients who have suffered a fracture of the coccyx note the appearance of chronic headaches.

Over time, callus or salt deposits may form in the area of injury, which inevitably leads to limited mobility of the lower spine. In this case, a person feels intense pain if he is in a sitting position for a long time and when standing up.

Often the consequence of a coccygeal fracture is anakoccygeal pain - it is localized in the region of the anus in the lower spine. Anacoccygeal pain develops as a result of damage to the periosteum of the coccyx and neuralgia of the coccygeal plexus. Most often, such a complication of a fracture occurs in women who note an increase in pain during movement, in a sitting position and during bowel movements. The pain radiates to the thighs, perineum, lower abdomen and is not stopped by most drugs.

Any cracks must be treated, otherwise there is a risk of post-traumatic coccygodynia. It is characterized by the presence of constant chronic pain: dull or aching, stabbing or shooting. The syndrome is always aggravated by palpation of the injured area. At the same time, the person turns very pale, he periodically sweats.

The area of the lesion with a fracture of the coccyx

A tailbone fracture is an extremely unpleasant spinal injury, the symptoms and consequences of which often lead to serious complications. The most difficult and dangerous is considered to be a fracture with a displacement, which causes inconvenience not only when a person moves, but also when trying to just sit on a sofa or chair.

Symptoms and consequences of a fracture

The connection of the coccyx and sacrum has low mobility, but in women it is more pronounced. During childbirth, the coccyx deviates back, increasing the birth canal.

At a young age, the vertebrae of the coccyx are interconnected by layers of cartilage.

The coccyx is well protected from external influences by an array of gluteal muscles and is surrounded by a large number of highly sensitive nerve fibers.

Muscles and ligaments involved in the activity of the genitourinary organs are attached to the coccyx. In its front part there is a nerve plexus, from which the nerve channels and endings in the region branch out. anus and pelvic organs.

The coccyx is an important fulcrum that is involved in the distribution of physical load on the small pelvis. For example, when a person in a sitting position leans forward, the load moves to the lower part of the ischial bones, when he leans back, the coccyx takes on a partial role as a fulcrum.

A tailbone fracture can be the result of:

falling on the buttocks (a traumatic force is directed to the upper part of the coccyx);
a direct blow with a blunt and narrow object (the outer surface is damaged);
childbirth (the inner surface of the coccyx is injured), when a large fetus passes through the birth canal, tears and significant displacements of the coccyx-sacral joint are possible;
traffic accidents;
long driving and shaking in the vehicle.

First aid

If a lower spine injury is suspected, care should be taken before the doctor arrives. The patient must be laid in a horizontal position so that the coccyx area does not come into contact with anything - on its side or on the stomach. Experts recommend applying ice or a cold heating pad to the injury site. With unbearable pain, you can give an analgesic, be sure to write down the name and dosage.

Therapy Methods

When confirming the diagnosis, the patient is shown bed rest. He should spend all the time of treatment in a position on his stomach or on his side on a hard couch. You can roll over on your back if you first put a rubber protective circle under the lower sections of the spine. Any wrong movement can lead to the fact that the crack will turn into a fracture.

You can't bother. For the implementation of defecation, patients need to do enemas. This bowel movement reduces the load on the pelvic muscles.

Call an ambulance.
Calm the victim, do not let him move.
Apply a cold compress to the injured area.
To stop severe pain, give him an anesthetic, for example, Ketanol, Baralgin, Diclofenac. However, doctors recommend doing this as a last resort, since pain is an important diagnostic sign.

Treatment for a tailbone fracture depends on the severity of the injury. For mild injuries, outpatient treatment is carried out, which takes place according to the following plan:

The patient should be on bed rest for 2 to 3 weeks. It is better to lie on your side. To ensure comfort, to avoid the appearance of bedsores, an orthopedic pillow is used. This device reduces pressure on the damaged area, relieves pain. Usually a pillow is used if you need to sit down.
With intense pain syndrome, analgesics or NSAIDs are used. However, they are not allowed to be taken for a long time.
If the fracture is closed and the integrity of the skin in the damaged area is not broken, then painkillers in the form of ointments or rectal suppositories can be used.
If defecation is difficult, then laxatives are prescribed.
To prevent constipation and displacement of bone fragments, a diet is prescribed. The patient should replenish the diet with foods rich in calcium, silicon. It is recommended to eat cereals, soups, mashed potatoes, drink plenty of fluids. For the same purpose, cleansing enemas are carried out at home.

If necessary, a special splint is applied to the victim.

The question of what to do in case of a coccyx fracture with displacement is quite relevant. In this case, inpatient treatment is carried out.

Medical tactics with a fracture with displacement of fragments of the coccyx:

The damaged area is anesthetized with a novocaine solution, and the bone fragments are compared through the rectum.
The victim observes bed rest, a rubber pillow is placed under the coccyx.
To relieve severe pain, novocaine blockade is used. If the pain syndrome is moderate, then anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
The patient is prescribed gentle physical education, which will speed up blood circulation, metabolic processes, and improve the general condition. The load on the lower spine is limited.
If necessary, prescribe antibacterial agents, as well as calcium preparations.
The lower back is fixed with a tight bandage.
In violation of intestinal patency, enemas are prescribed.

Important. During the comparison of bone fragments, the traumatologist must act carefully and gently so as not to damage the mucous membrane of the colon.

After 10 days, complex therapy is supplemented with massage and thermal procedures.

If the fracture is caused by diseases of the bone tissue, then, in addition to the above measures, the underlying pathology, for example, osteoporosis, is treated.

Most often, the reposition (comparison) of fragments through the rectum is successful. But if the fragments are not held in the correct position, then an operation is assigned. Surgery can help correct the deformity. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the distal (extreme) part of the coccyx, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

If the bone fragments of the coccyx are not held in the correct position, then an operation is performed to remove the extreme part of the bone

The operation is necessary when the pelvic organs are compressed by fused bones, then their functionality is impaired. As a rule, this happens if fragments of the coccygeal bone have grown together incorrectly. This is a rather complicated procedure in which there is a risk of damage to the rectum.

To avoid complications, the patient after surgery should be in bed for 10 days. In addition, he must follow a special diet.

If the pain syndrome worries for a long time, then doctors decide on the removal of the damaged coccyx. In the postoperative period, the likelihood of developing purulent processes and the appearance of abnormal channels in the body cavity increases.

After surgical treatment the patient is prescribed painkillers, antibiotics to prevent the development of infection. Recovery activities are complemented by therapeutic exercises, massage, physiotherapy procedures (electrophoresis with novocaine, paraffin-ozocerite applications, UHF), acupuncture, hirudotherapy (treatment with leeches).

With the help of x-rays, doctors will evaluate how the fragments grow together, and will also be able to detect displacement, if any. It is especially important to control this process in pathological fractures.

In case of severe damage to the coccyx area, it is necessary to provide the person with all possible assistance before the specialist arrives and the patient is placed in a medical facility. It is possible to alleviate the condition by carrying out the following activities:

It is necessary to lay the person after the injury horizontally on a hard surface and best of all on his side. With an unconscious state and bouts of vomiting, this position will prevent choking with vomit.
The position of the patient must be fixed with improvised materials, and it is recommended to put tissue rollers under the bends of the body. In case of a fracture, it is important that the spine is in a natural position and no load is placed on the coccyx.

When the patient is conscious and the swallowing reflex is preserved, it is allowed to take a drug with an analgesic effect.

Medical practice shows that in the treatment of a fracture of the coccyx or its fissure, only painkillers are used. The patient has been prescribed drugs such as Ketorol or Analgin for several weeks. In the treatment of pathology, preference is given to medicines in the form of tablets. More powerful analgesics are selected only in extreme cases because the risk of addiction is high.

When diagnosing open injuries in a victim, antibiotics are prescribed for prevention. In the treatment of pathology at home, drugs are selected in the form of tablets, for example, Amoxiclav and Amoxicillin.

It is possible to speed up the healing process in the elderly and people with osteoporosis due to medicines with chondroitin and calcium content. Such drugs accelerate the regenerative process of bone tissue and fill it with the necessary nutrients.

Medicines in the form of an ointment for injuries of a different nature are rarely used due to their low effectiveness. With their help, it is only possible to remove tissue edema and slightly alleviate the patient's condition.

With a closed fracture, surgery is prescribed only in a situation where the tissues of the rudimentary process are split into several fragments. In all other cases, the treatment of pathology is carried out with the help of conservative therapy. How long the damaged coccyx heals is determined by the characteristics of the patient's body and compliance with the doctor's recommendations.

An indication for surgery may be compression and deviations in the functioning of the pelvic organs, as well as improper fusion of some fragments of the coccyx. During surgery, it is important not to touch the rectum. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia and the fragments are fastened using bone plates that accelerate bone fusion. After the operation, bed rest and a strict diet are indicated.

Tailbone fracture: symptoms, treatment and prevention

A coccyx fracture is an injury to the lower segment of the spine, when there is a complete or partial violation of the integrity of the bone with a pronounced blow or other load that exceeds the tensile strength of the bone.

Anatomy of the coccyx

The coccyx (lat. coccyx) is the lowest enclosing segment of the spine, consisting of 3-5 rudimentary vertebrae fused together. They form the coccygeal bone, which looks like an inverted pyramid with an upper wide base. The top of the pyramid has the shape of a beak and is directed down and forward.

Hence the name of this part of the body, which in Greek means "cuckoo". Its uppermost first vertebra has horns - processes that connect to the sacrum and form a joint - sacrococcygeal.

In women, this part of the spine is quite mobile and is involved in the expansion of the birth canal during childbirth.

Well, and finally, this part of the spine helps to keep balance when tilting the body back, while sitting, creating a fulcrum.

According to Darwin's theory, the coccyx is the tail vestige of a person.

This smallest segment of the spine is located between the bones of the pelvis, it does not perform any work, but the muscles and ligaments of the organs of the MPS and the distant sections of the large intestine are attached to it.

Also attached to the coccyx m. Gluteus, which is the main extensor of the thigh. Soft tissues protect the coccyx, since it is a rather traumatic segment of the spinal column.

Fractures are rare, more often bruises and dislocations. But if a fracture has occurred, then its consequences are quite serious. Children and the elderly are more susceptible to fractures due to the characteristics of the bones in these age categories. In addition, coccyx fractures are 3 times more common in women.

Causes

All causes are combined into 2 large groups: traumatic and pathological. Traumatic injuries occur as a result of landing on the buttocks when falling from a great height on a hard surface (icy ice), cycling, off-road sleighing, injuries in road accidents, injuries among jumpers, ballerinas, dancers, figure skaters, when skiing and rollerblading, during childbirth large fruit.

Injury can occur by 2 mechanisms: falling on the buttocks - while the impact force is directed from the outside inward, that is, the displacement of the vertebrae will be directed inward, forward.

Pathological causes are due to the state of the bone tissue at the time of the fracture - osteoporosis, lack of training of muscles and ligaments, tumors of the spine.

Tailbone fracture: symptoms and treatment, consequences and rehabilitation at home

Rehabilitation after a tailbone fracture usually lasts at least a month. It is during this period that the bones grow together and their lost strength is restored. In case of severe injuries, the rehabilitation period can reach 2-3 months and includes the following procedures:

massage;
phytotherapy;
acupuncture.

In addition, it is important to organize good nutrition, avoid increased physical exertion and use special orthopedic devices to reduce pressure on the damaged coccyx. Sleeping and lying with such a pathology is recommended on the stomach.

A month after the therapy, the patient returns to a normal lifestyle. However, it is recommended to give up sports and increased physical activity for one year.

In case of trauma to the coccyx, treatment is mainly carried out with the help of orthopedic pillow. It resembles a wide circle in the form of a life buoy with a void inside. With the help of such a device, it is possible to relieve the load on the musculoskeletal system and achieve a positive result:

unload the spinal column;
relieve muscle tension;
prevent blood stasis;
deal with pain.

An orthopedic pillow is allowed to be used even after the restoration of the injured coccyx. Thanks to her, a person is able to sit for a long time without harm to health.

Proper nutrition

If the coccyx is damaged during the recovery period, an important place is given to good nutrition. The patient's diet should be filled with the following products:

greenery;
hazelnuts;
persimmon;
a fish;
sesame;
milk products.

In addition, it is necessary to introduce into the diet foods that serve as a source of such trace elements as calcium.

exercise therapy exercises

Exercise therapy can be prescribed only in the recovery period after complete bone fusion. Up to this point, it is important to provide the injured area with complete rest and protect it from physical activity.

Basic goal of exercise therapy is to strengthen the dorsal, abdominal and pelvic muscles. The patient is selected exercises such as pressing the knees to the chest, lifting the legs to the top and squeezing the ball. In addition, it is recommended to swing the legs to the sides, walking on heels and toes, tilts, squats and push-ups. Exercise therapy is prescribed by a specialist only individually, taking into account the patient's condition.

The consequences of a tailbone fracture can be:

the formation of a hematoma in the area of injury;
strong pain;
the appearance of blood with an open fracture;
callus formation;

If the coccyx is injured in women in the future, there may be difficulties with delivery. If the segments are not properly fused when the operation is not performed, growths, cysts and fistulas may form. In addition, suppuration in the lesion is possible as a consequence of the inflammatory process.

With an old fracture, a migraine may be disturbing, the cause of which lies in the destruction of the terminal filaments. In addition, chronic pain syndrome at the site of injury and deviations in the functioning of some organs can serve as a consequence of such a pathology.

Injury to the bones of the coccyx is considered a rather serious complication that needs effective therapy. If treatment is not carried out, unpleasant complications may develop, which can be problematic to cope with. It is for this reason that when manifestations of a coccyx bruise occur, you should visit a specialist as soon as possible.

There are no specific preventive measures against damage to the coccyx. To reduce the risk of such a pathology, it is recommended to give up active sports activities, walk carefully on slippery roads and consume as many foods with calcium as possible. How to treat a tailbone fracture can only be determined by an experienced specialist.

This type of injury is considered quite dangerous and may be accompanied by the development of dangerous complications. The choice of the method of therapy is determined by both the complexity of the damage and the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

What is the coccyx and what are its functions

When diagnosing, doctors collect an anamnesis, conduct an examination, and take an x-ray.

Medications are prescribed to help eliminate swelling, relieve pain. Doctors recommend wearing orthopedic appliances. If there is displacement of the bones, surgery may be required.

Recipes are used to relieve symptoms traditional medicine. Light exercises, massage, use of an orthopedic pillow, herbal medicine are allowed. It is recommended to adhere to the rules of therapeutic nutrition.

Of the possible complications after a coccyx injury, abscesses, the appearance of fistulas and calluses are noted.

The coccyx is the lowest part of the spine. It consists of three to five fused vertebrae, beak-shaped bones. Its top looks down and forward, the base looks up.

On the sides of the first and largest vertebra are transverse processes, and the coccygeal horns extend from above. They connect with the sacrum and participate in the formation of the connection between the sacrum and the coccyx.

In women, it is more mobile. During childbirth, it sometimes even deviates back to increase the paths. It is believed that the coccyx is a vestige that has lost its original meaning. This is not true. It helps to attach to the ligaments and muscles associated with the intestines and urinary organs.

Also, bundles of the gluteus maximus muscle are attached to it, which helps the thigh to unbend. It helps to distribute the physical load on the pelvic structures, serves as a fulcrum, especially when bending back. It is very easy to injure this part of the spine.

The risk of a fracture or fracture of the coccyx is not so great - more often the victims receive a severe bruise. Therefore, it is important to distinguish the signs of a tailbone fracture from its bruise.

The first of them is bruising, which quickly forms during a fracture. Also among the symptoms of this injury is pain, sharp and sharp, often not subsiding for a very long time.

When bruised, its intensity is stepped, with remissions for a while. Also, with a crack and a fracture, the urge to defecate is quick, but the process is very complicated and painful.

In any case, to determine the fracture of the coccyx, it is necessary to undergo an examination.

Classification of injuries

Coccygeal injuries are divided into groups:

dislocation,
subluxation,
closed fracture of the coccyx,
open fracture,
crack,
rupture of synchondrosis, or separation of one segment from another,
separation of the first vertebra of the coccyx without ossification,
displaced coccyx fracture,
fracture without displacement
Fracture dislocation is a combination of two types of injuries.

Due to fractures, they are divided into traumatic or pathological (for example, due to a tumor or osteoporosis). According to the direction of the injury line, transverse and compression fractures of the coccyx are distinguished.

According to the statute of limitations, a fresh or chronic fracture is distinguished. The second case was damage lasting more than a month. If the vertebrae have not fused within the prescribed time frame, the injury is considered non-fused.

Sometimes a false joint is formed at the site of injury - as a rule, two to three months after the injury. The tactics of treating an injury depends on how long ago it was received.

There are also uncomplicated and complicated fractures. In the second case it could be:

osteomyelitis,
trauma to internal organs,
bleeding.

In women, a fairly common coccyx injury is a fracture during childbirth. The consequences and symptoms are about the same as in ordinary cases.

Fracture symptoms

The symptoms of a tailbone fracture are similar to getting cracks, subluxations and dislocations. Exclusively clinical picture will not give an accurate diagnosis. The main symptom of a tailbone fracture after a fall is a sharp, intense pain in the area of damage, especially during the first days. The victim is often unable to:

sleep,
lie on your back
squat,
sit,
lean forward
get up from a sitting position.

The pain increases with defecation, making it very difficult. In a child, as in an adult, the consequence of a fracture of the coccyx may be edema or slight swelling, as well as a hematoma. With intra-abdominal damage, there is also a clinic of an acute abdomen, with an injury to the acute intestine - fresh blood in the feces, frequent urge to defecate. With an open fracture, bone fragments are visible.

When falling back on the buttocks or landing on the heels when jumping from a height, a person can get injured on the coccyx. During the examination, it can be revealed that a crack has appeared in the coccyx. After such an injury, it is necessary to change the lifestyle, it is possible to accelerate the healing process of tissues by following all the recommendations of doctors.

A fracture of the coccyx from its crack in symptoms practically does not differ. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by taking an x-ray.. With a crack, it will be seen that the organic integrity of the bone is broken, but there are no fragments.

After bruising the coccyx, as a result of which it cracked, the patient has the following symptoms:

increasing pain in the lower part of the spine, which makes it difficult to lie down, walk, sit;
the appearance of swelling, bruising, redness at the site of impact (occurs a few hours after the injury);
lack of bowel movements for several days after the injury.

When trying to sit, stand, bend over, a person may feel a sharp pain.

In some patients, other signs of a crack in the coccyx also appear: within a few hours after the injury, the temperature may rise, chills may appear. This condition is typical for cases when soft tissues that surround the rectum are involved in the aseptic inflammatory process. Also, as a result of an injury, it may occur.

Women and the elderly are more prone to tailbone injuries. In patients older than 60-70 years, bone density changes due to calcium leaching, even a slight blow can cause cracks. In women, the sacral spine is more mobile than in men, so the likelihood of injury to the coccyx is higher.

Types of injuries

Traumatologists distinguish several types of fissures of the coccygeal bone:

vertical - appears with an increased impact force in the process of flexion and extension of the muscles of the sacral spine;
horizontal - occurs when falling on the buttocks;
oblique - occurs with an oblique blow to the coccyx.

Injuries to the gluteal region do not always provoke the appearance of a crack in the coccyx, the symptoms characteristic of this injury can also occur with a fracture or dislocation of the coccygeal bone.

An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a traumatologist after evaluating the results of an x-ray. You can distinguish a crack from a fracture if you know that cracks never reach from one edge of the bone to the other (more details about). Not always the cause of the formation of a crack are shocks or falls. It can appear during complicated childbirth or as a result of age-related changes associated with a decrease in bone density.

How to determine - a fracture, bruise or crack

All injuries of the sacral spine are accompanied by severe pain. When the sacrum is fractured, the patient develops a hematoma, severe edema. When walking, a creaking sound occurs, which doctors call crepitus. The reason for its appearance is the friction of bone fragments against each other.

With bruises, the pain subsides quickly. This type of injury does not threaten any complications in the future.

Coccyx cracks after a fall provoke the appearance of a pronounced pain syndrome, swelling of the surrounding soft tissues. Even without treatment, some patients improve within a few days. But the danger of such injuries lies in the fact that in the future a person with damage to the coccyx will suffer from pain in the sacral area, perineum. In women, discomfort is often observed during sexual intercourse.

Therefore, with spinal injuries, you cannot wait until the condition returns to normal, you need to see a doctor. The doctor will examine the affected area, if a crack or fracture is suspected, he will send for an x-ray. If it is difficult to determine the nature of the damage from the obtained radiograph, then the traumatologist may recommend an MRI or CT scan.

What to do before the ambulance arrives

In case of bruising of the sacral region as a result of a fall or injury with a blunt object, it is advisable to lie on the stomach or side. It is undesirable for the damaged area to come into contact with a hard surface. Cold should be applied to the coccyx projection.

It is possible to reduce the pain syndrome, the appearance of which causes a crack in the coccyx, with the help of analgesics. No need to try, only a doctor can do this.

How to treat

Therapy should be started for a fissure of the coccygeal bone only after an accurate diagnosis. Doctors recommend bed rest for patients with such an injury. You should lie on your stomach or on your sides. To sit on your back, you need to put a donut-shaped pillow under the buttocks. The recommended duration of bed rest is at least 10 days.

Healing will go faster if, during the treatment of a fissure of the coccyx, the likelihood of displacement of bones or the appearance of new injuries to the sacral region is minimized. But you should not count on a quick recovery, improvements begin to appear no earlier than 2 weeks after the injury.

Medicines

Patients who have developed a fissure due to coccyx injury are advised to use anti-inflammatory painkillers. The most commonly prescribed are Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Ketoprofen. For severe pain, Tramadol may be prescribed. Some patients periodically do novocaine blockades, but they are recommended to be repeated no more than 1 time in 3 days.

You can ease the process of bowel movement and minimize pain during bowel movements with the help of mild laxatives. Some advise doing enemas, this allows you to minimize the load on the pelvic floor muscles and sphincter and prevent further divergence of the crack. With attempts, there is a risk of complete.

To accelerate the restoration of bone integrity, it is recommended to take calcium supplements in combination with vitamin D3.

Ointments

In the absence of lesions on the skin, pain and swelling can be reduced by applying topical anti-inflammatory drugs to the affected area. The doctor may recommend the use of Fastum gel, Diclofenac ointment, Fanigan Fast gel.

Is an operation needed

Patients who have broken the integrity of the coccygeal bone, surgical treatment is not prescribed. With a timely visit to the doctor and the implementation of all recommendations, damaged tissues are restored on their own.

The operation may be necessary only for patients with a fracture in whom the segments of the coccyx have begun to grow together incorrectly.

Nutrition

foods rich in calcium - cottage cheese, cheese, kefir, butter;
fruits, vegetables containing silicon, to improve the absorption of calcium - broccoli, peas, cauliflower, persimmon, currant, radish, bean;
nuts, greens;
marine and freshwater fish;
bread made from wholemeal flour with the addition of bran.

The diet is formed in such a way that the maximum amount of nutrients, vitamins, minerals enters the body with food. To normalize bowel function and prevent constipation, you need to drink enough water.

ethnoscience

Admirers of alternative methods of treatment recommend that patients who have a coccyx fissure lubricate the skin located above the coccyx area with iodine 2-3 times a week in the evening. After that, the area of the sacrum must be wrapped up and go to bed. After 1.5-2 months of such procedures, the pain disappears.

Lotions on the coccyx from Vishnevsky's ointment have proven themselves well. She needs to generously lubricate the sponge or rag, attach it to the problem area and cover it with cellophane on top. It will take 3-5 days to reduce swelling and eliminate discomfort.

To get rid of pain after bruises, it is advised to use a tincture prepared from this mixture:

300 ml of medical alcohol;
10 tablets of Analgin, crushed to a powder;
10 ml of camphor alcohol;
10 ml of iodine.

The tincture is prepared for 3 weeks in a dark place. After a few days of rubbing it into the problem area, the pain disappears.

If, on the advice of traditional healers, you use a resin ointment, then the crack will heal faster. To prepare a healing agent, you need to take:

20 g resin;
medium-sized onion, pre-chopped in a meat grinder;
50 g olive oil;
15 g of copper sulfate.

These components must be mixed and heated in a saucepan over low heat. Warm ointment is applied to the coccyx area. It may cause a slight burning sensation.

Rehabilitation

10-12 days after the injury, a callus forms on the coccyx. As soon as it begins to form, traumatologists recommend starting rehabilitation. It should be aimed at accelerating the restoration of bone tissues and increasing the physiological tone of the ligaments and pelvic muscles. Sometimes it may occur.

The doctor may prescribe:

reflexology- starts the process of bone tissue healing;
massage, osteopathy- improves microcirculation of lymph and blood in the problem area;
- improves the condition of ligaments, muscles, tendons;
hirudotherapy - restores blood flow.

As helper method treatment is recommended to use physiotherapy, under its action the bone grows together faster. Most often, UHF, electrophoresis, procedures with the Darsonval apparatus are prescribed. To prevent the development of complications, you need to sleep on your stomach during this period.

Orthopedic pillow

With the help of an orthopedic pillow, you can reduce pain and speed up the healing process. When using this device, the coccyx does not come into contact with hard surfaces, so discomfort is minimized.

Prevention

You can minimize the risk of fractures and the appearance of cracks in the coccyx if you follow the recommendations of doctors. For the prevention of bone fractures, it is advised:

exclude fatty foods, canned food from the diet;
train the muscles of the legs, pelvis, back;
strengthen bones by taking calcium supplements and vitamin D;
be careful when riding horses, cycling, walking on slippery roads;
at home, on a soft rug or mat, train to fall correctly;
avoid hazardous activities.

If discomfort appears in the coccyx area, it is better to see a doctor. People with osteoporosis don't need a lot of impact to cause a fracture or crack—brittle bones can be damaged with minimal impact.

Consequences and complications

Feeling pain in the coccygeal region, it is necessary to consult a traumatologist. Even minor cracks without adherence to the regimen and treatment can become fractures. The condition may worsen with physical exertion, sitting, trying to use the toilet.

Cracks are the cause of coccygodynia - a pronounced pain syndrome in the anorectal zone. Pain occurs when activated in a place where the coccygeal bone has cracked. With the development of coccygodynia, blood vessels spasm, sweating increases, the skin turns pale. The patient increases nervousness, develops a depressive state.

Among the complications of the coccygeal fissure are the following:

osteomyelitis is an infectious lesion of the bones, antibiotic therapy is prescribed for its treatment, this complication can even lead to disability;
numbness, paresis, paralysis of the legs;
development of spastic or functional constipation due to disruption of the large intestine;
the appearance of problems with the functioning of the sphincter of the bladder;
violation of posture due to the redistribution of the load;
omission of internal organs as a result of weakening of the muscles of the pelvic floor.

Any injury to the coccyx can cause delayed consequences. If treatment is refused and the need for rehabilitation is ignored, patients may suffer from pain for the rest of their lives. The most common cause of their appearance is the subluxation of the process, which arose due to weakened muscles, tendons, ligaments of the pelvic region.

There is no such person in the world who has never been somehow injured. Some people do not even fully know the concept of trauma, so they do not pay attention to many things, without thinking about what consequences such a negligent attitude towards themselves and their health can then bring. Here is one of those injuredcrack in the coccyxwhich will have dire consequences.

The frequency of falls on the softest point of our body is probably the highest. And in half of the cases, such falls lead to not the most pleasant pictures, because often this leads to traumatization. These injuries can be divided into several types: sprains, bruises, dislocations, subluxations, cracks, fractures.

A severe injury is considered a crack in the coccyx, as it can lead to a complete fracture. It creates discomfort, but it is very difficult to identify it on its own, so you have to turn to specialists who prescribe the necessary studies to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

There are three types of cracks:

vertical;
horizontal;
oblique.

Coccyx fissure: symptoms

Coccyx fissure or a microcrack will almost immediately manifest itself as a sharp pain in the coccyx area. Not every person can understand the cause of pain in the lower back. When this happens due to a strong fall or blow, it’s understandable, but if it happened by accident, and then pain appears, you should consult a doctor, he will examine and tell the diagnosis.

But there are a number of symptoms that can help suggest a diagnosis before seeing a doctor. When walking, in a sitting position, lying on your back, pain intensifies in the area that has been injured, because of this, walking is disturbed, it becomes harder, hyperemia of the skin, swelling, hematomas, pain that radiates to the lower extremities, and temperature also appears.

First aid

Before the victim is given symptomatic treatment, first aid must be provided to alleviate his condition. At the scene of the incident, the victim must be placed so as not to create unnecessary pressure, to limit the movement of the victim.

It is necessary to choose a place, lay it either on the stomach or on its side. If possible, apply ice to the injury site, after wrapping it in some kind of cloth. It is also necessary to give the victim an anesthetic pill - "", "", and wait for the ambulance to arrive.

Diagnostics

Of course, it is clear that correct diagnosis and conservative treatment will be beneficial. If a person comes with complaints of pain in the coccyx, then first the doctor must examine the patient, palpate, then a rectal examination is performed, it shows the severity of the damage to the coccyx. An obligatory item in the diagnosis of a crack is an x-ray.

After that, the doctor receives the pictures, examines them and decides whether the diagnosis is enough to make a diagnosis. If not, then additional examinations are prescribed: MRI, sphincterometry, balloonography. After the doctor is convinced of the correctness of the diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate treatment.

Treatment

A hospitalized patient with this type of injury is primarily assigned to bed rest, lying on his stomach. It is allowed to sometimes change the position in order to avoid the formation of bedsores, the patient's position changes either on his side or on his back, but laying a circle.

Crack in tailbonerequires to reduce the load on the muscles of the pelvic floor, sphincter. This is done with an enema, because then the act of defecation is much easier, which helps to avoid the transition of the crack into a complete fracture.

Proper nutrition is prescribed for a patient with a fissure. It is necessary that the bones grow together, recover, calcium contributes to this. Scientists have proven that silicon will help calcium to be better absorbed, so doctors recommend eating foods containing it - radishes, currants. It is recommended to consume other vitamins as well.

From symptomatic therapy, symptomatic drugs are prescribed - analgesics, ointments. It is forbidden to use the ointment if not only the coccyx, but also the skin was damaged during the injury. Assign "", "", "Ibuprofen". If such medications are ineffective, novocaine blockades can be administered.

After the elimination of acute symptoms, rehabilitation therapy is prescribed. When the treatment is effective, the patient's health is fully restored in a month and a half.

Consequences and complications

Since the coccyx is part of the spine, the consequences can be very different.Coccyx fissure symptomsmanifests itself in different ways, and if you do not pay attention to it immediately, then this is fraught with consequences. Symptoms should be treated immediately, otherwise coccygodynia may occur. It is manifested by the appearance of a sharp pain in the lumbar region, back, legs, for example, when trying to sit down, bend over or lie down. Even the smallest load on the spine causes unbearable pain, it hurts almost all the time, and the peculiarity of this complication is that it can occur after a long period after the injury, so the person will not know what his suffering is connected with. The complication is treated for a longer time, leads to patient depression elevated level anxiety.

There are also cases of osteomyelitis in the coccyx. It is also possible that with an insufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, the injured bone will begin to disintegrate, then a person can remain in a wheelchair for life.

The spine plays a significant role in human health. It is from him that many nerves are innervated, the inflammation of which will cause the inflammation of other organs to fail. It is important to maintain all sections of the spine in a healthy condition, because if any section suffers, problems with the heart, kidneys, urinary system, circulatory, hormonal and others appear.

Prevention

Of course, firstly, you need to try to avoid injuries in the coccyx area. We need to take a closer look at our children, who are so fond of skiing down the hills in winter, and jumping and running in summer in places where it is quite dangerous to get injured. good decision will learn to fall properly. In no case should you fall on your back, if balance is lost, it is better to group up, roll onto your back.

It also helps to avoid injury. correct shoes, selected in winter, care and caution.

It is important to follow the safety rules for horseback riding, skating, and other sports.

To strengthen your bones, it would be good to buy yourself a vitamin complex at least once every three months, as well as monitor your diet, add some foods that contain calcium and silicon to your food.

If it so happened that someone fell, it is better to immediately call an ambulance, prescribe treatment in time if necessary, then avoiding completely undesirable consequences and complications.

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