A Slip and Fall Can Cause a Painful Tailbone (Coccyx) Injury

So many things can go wrong when you slip and fall. What seems like a simple fall can lead to serious, painful injuries, including a tailbone injury.

The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is located at the end of the vertebral column and is shaped like a triangle. It is a bony structure comprised of three to five segments that are connected by joints and ligaments. A coccyx injury can occur when you fall onto your tailbone and land in a seated position on a hard surface. In fact, falls are the most common causes of tailbone injuries.

A tailbone injury is known to cause severe pain and may lead to bruising, dislocation or a bone fracture. These types of injuries are also slow to heal.

Signs of a Tailbone Injury
If you have been injured in a Florida fall accident, you need to recognize the signs of a tailbone injury. According to Emedicinehealth.com, the symptoms of a coccyx injury are as follows:

• Tremendous pain and tenderness in the tailbone area.
• A visible bruise near the tailbone.
• The pain becomes worse when you sit down for a long period of time or when pressure is placed on the tailbone area.
• Bowel movements cause pain.
• Women may experience pain during sexual intercourse.

Any of these symptoms should prompt a visit to your doctor. The physician will review your medical history and will conduct a physical examination to determine the cause of your pain. In some circumstances, an x-ray may be needed to diagnose your tailbone injury.

Treatment for a Tailbone Injury
There are some things you can do at home to help treat your tailbone injury. Since these injuries are usually extremely painful, your focus will be on controlling pain. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time and apply ice to the injured area. You may also want to take over-the-counter pain medication and purchase a cushion or pillow that you can sit on.

Depending on the severity of your coccyx injury, you may need medical treatment, which could include stronger pain medication, stool softeners or a local anesthetic injection. In very rare cases, the coccyx will need to be surgically removed.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced Florida slip and fall attorney at the law offices of William K. Saron, P.A. at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947 for legal advice.