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Tailbone trauma - Treatment

Alternative Names

Coccyx injury

First Aid:

For tailbone trauma where no spinal cord injury is suspected:

Relieve pressure on the tailbone by sitting on an inflatable rubber ring or cushions.
Take acetaminophen for pain.
Take a stool softener to avoid constipation.

If you suspect injury to the neck or spine, do not attempt to move the patient.

Do Not:

Do NOT attempt to move the patient if you think there may be injury to the spinal cord.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

Call for immediate medical help if:

Spinal cord injury is suspected.
The patient cannot move.
Pain is severe.

Tailbone (coccyx)

Reviewed last on: 7/30/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Choi SB, Cwinn AA. Pelvic trauma. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 52.

Vora A. Coccydynia. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 103.

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