Usually a tailbone bruise occurs when a strong blow is applied exactly to the place where it is located. More often than others, cyclists who like to ride on rough roads get such an injury. It is worth noting that very often a bruise of the tailbone of a representative of the weaker sex. Women, unlike men, have wider hips. This is where the problem lies. In order not to get such injuries, you should carefully monitor those loads that fall on your back. The tailbone is the most vulnerable part of the spine. For many women, even pregnancy can be the cause of such an injury. So, with a tailbone injury, what to do, how to treat, and what could be the consequences?
What is a tailbone bruise?
For many, a bruise is a blow inflicted on a specific part of the body, as a result of which tissue integrity is compromised. Often, such injuries are neglected. Many believe that such a nuisance as a bruise will pass quickly. As for the tailbone, here the situation is somewhat different. In this case, any minor blow or load can cause severe damage to this part of the spine. In addition, the situation is exacerbated by the fact that the external factor acts on the coccyx. In addition, the entire spine exerts pressure on this part of the body. Therefore, a tailbone injury is so dangerous. Symptoms and consequences of such an injury are very unpleasant.
Bruising Symptoms
A tailbone bruise is a dangerous injury, not only because of the consequences that may arise in the future, but also because it is difficult to diagnose. And not always the doctor is able to accurately diagnose. However, a tailbone bruise, the symptoms of which can be very sensitive, can be determined by the following symptoms:
- A small bruise may appear in the area of the impact. If a huge hematoma appeared and the pain does not go away, then this indicates that the victim received a fracture.
- Also, the patient may feel pain and discomfort during bowel movements. Similar symptoms may also indicate a tailbone fracture.
- The pain syndrome appears immediately after the impact, but disappears after a few hours. This little trick misleads the victim, and he thinks that everything will pass by itself.
- Unpleasant sensations in the coccyx can occur during intercourse.
- A severe injury to the tailbone, the symptoms and consequences of which can be deplorable, is indicated by pain, which has spread to the lower extremities.
- Also, a lump may appear at the site of the impact, in contact with which there is a sharp pain.
- Edema. This is another sign of a bruised tailbone and a serious cause for concern. After all, a similar phenomenon occurs with rather dangerous injuries.
- Also, the victim with a bruise or a tailbone fracture may be disturbed by pain during rest or movement. With such an injury, it is usually very difficult to stand still.
Other symptoms
In addition to the above symptoms, the victim may feel wave-like pain after a light blow to the coccyx. Immediately after receiving an injury, a person feels severe pain, which eventually passes and arises only with unsuccessful squats or sudden movements. In such situations, many simply ignore the discomfort and are in no hurry to turn to specialists, letting everything go by itself. However, this is not the best way to solve the problem. Indeed, over the years, a similar process will develop into a chronic one, and the injury will not be cured. Even with minor loads, pain will occur. Of course, it will not be pronounced, but it will provide enough problems. Therefore, treatment of a bruised tailbone should be carried out in any case.
Consequences of injury
Many victims are usually concerned about how long it takes to treat an injury. This largely depends on the strength of the strike. After all, a tailbone bruise, the symptoms and consequences of which can be unpleasant, is still a dangerous injury. If the pain does not stop and resume, then in this case it is necessary to seek help from a traumatologist. Otherwise, the following consequences may occur:
- As a result of a very strong blow, even a slight displacement of the spinal cord can occur, which ultimately leads to frequent migraines.
- Pain can become chronic.
- Spinal cord integrity can be severely compromised.
- In some cases, hematoma fibrosis may begin.
- It is also possible wedging in the occipital region of the spinal cord.
- Due to bone displacement, patients often have inflammation in the rectum.
- Compression fracture of the spine.
If the tailbone hurts after a bruise, then you need to seek help from specialists. Only in this case can negative consequences be avoided. It is also very important to know how to provide first aid in case of such an injury.
First aid for bruising the sacrum and tailbone
If a person received a strong blow to the area of the lower part of the spine, several procedures should be performed:
- The area of injury should be cold. This will reduce vascular hemorrhage.
- The patient should be provided with no pressure on the damaged area of the spine.
- Take the victim to the nearest medical center.
- If the pain is pronounced, then you should not force a person to endure. It is necessary to give the victim any pain medication.
How to treat tailbone injury
Treatment for a bruised tailbone should be performed by an experienced physician. The quality of therapy for such injuries depends on the timely treatment of the victim in the first-aid post. Upon examination, a specialist should rule out serious damage to the spine. That is why it is necessary to take an x-ray. Only after this, the doctor can choose a treatment method. If the diagnosis is a bruise of the sacrum and tailbone, then the victim can do without hospitalization.
Treatment methods
There are several basic treatments:
- Compliance with bed rest for several days.
- If the pain is pronounced, then the doctor may prescribe painkillers.
- The injured person is prohibited from sitting. If this is not possible, then special orthopedic pillows should be used, which are designed specifically for such cases.
- Also, do not warm up and apply warm compresses to the damaged area. It is forbidden to take baths. It is best to use a shower, avoiding prolonged exposure to warm water on a bruised area. Doctors recommend applying more often cold.
- Athletes better forget about training for a while. The victim should minimize all physical activity.
- It is necessary to abandon shoes with high heels. With such an injury, it is better to wear something on a flat sole.
- In some cases, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy exercises. However, resorting to this method immediately after a bruise is not worth it.
How to smear a bruise
For a speedy recovery, certain formulations should be regularly applied to the sore spot. You also need to know what is better to use. To eliminate pain and bruising, experts recommend using Dolobene or Traumeel gels , as well as various ointments based on calendula, arnica and chamomile. Perfectly suitable compounds with a warming effect. This will avoid such troubles as hematoma fibrosis. The main thing is to remember that a tailbone bruise, the symptoms and consequences of which are very diverse, is a dangerous injury, and it must be treated immediately.