How to Tell If Your Tailbone Is Broken

The tailbone or coccyx is the bone structure at the end of the vertebrae. A tailbone injury can result in localized pain, but can heal over time with minimal treatment. Women tend to have more tailbone injuries than men, because the femail pelvis is wider, which leaves the tailbone more exposed. Although you may be able to determine whether or not you have a tailbone injury or fracture, you should see a doctor for a complete diagnosis.

Instructions

• 1

  Look at your tailbone area in the mirror or have a friend look at the area to get a closer examination. Look for any signs of bruising around your tailbone. Bruising can be a sign of a serious tailbone injury, possibly a hairline fracture. Bruising can be caused by a direct injury to the tailbone, such as a fall or sports injury.

• 2

  Touch your tailbone area, and also try sitting for long periods of time. If you have a tailbone injury, you will feel tenderness when your tailbone is touched and pain while you are sitting. You may also feel pain shooting down your legs or spreading to other areas of your back.

• 3

  Feel for pain in your tailbone area during a bowel movement when you are straining your tailbone region. In addition to bowel movements, women and men may feel pain during sexual intercourse.