how long for tailbone pain from falling down stairs to go away?

Question

I fell down the stairs 3 weeks ago (on THanksgiving week.) My tailbone hurt really bad. I iced it a little bit at the time and took lots of NSAIDS. But it is still aching at times when I sit on it, or even when I have a big fart or bowel movement. There is no sharp or burning pain, just dull ache. How long can it take these kind of things to heal? I'm not an alarmist, so I just figured it would take a few weeks to go away, but now it is starting to seem a little long! Should I go get an Xray?

I'm actually a PA student, they don't really teach us in school how long it takes a bruised tailbone to heal!!! Especially appreciate answers from Drs, nurses, med students, etc.

Answer 1

A bruised tailbone can take 2 days to 4 weeks or longer to heal depending on the person, if it's been injured before, the level of activity you do on a day to day basis, and similar factors. A fractured tailbone on the other hand takes 4-6 weeks to heal. They are both very painful, and you get to be in pain for quite a long time, unless you are a fast healer.

First of all, I'm surprised you didn't get an X-ray to begin with. It's always nice to know what you are dealing with, so that you know how to treat it.

To speed up the healing, make sure that you always sit on a doughnut cushion or a swimming inner tube (like a child's size inner tube). Obviously a doughnut cushion works better, but an inner tube will do in a pinch. Use an ice pack 20 minutes at a time every 4 hours until the pain goes away. Motrin, Naproxen Sodium, and other anti-inflammatory medications will relieve some of the pain. Prescription pain killers do help (yet another reason to see a doctor to get it checked out, lol). Pay attention to your bowel movements, don't allow yourself to become constipated. If you've ever injured your tailbone and been constipated, you will know why this is a very bad idea. If your bowel movements become irregular, increase your fiber intake, or use an over the counter product before the constipation gets to bed, you'll be sorry if it goes full blown and will hate yourself big time. Increasing your daily intake of fiber and water will also allow your tailbone to heal faster.

Answer 2

Tailbone Pain After Fall

Answer 3

Falling On Tailbone

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
how long for tailbone pain from falling down stairs to go away?
I fell down the stairs 3 weeks ago (on THanksgiving week.) My tailbone hurt really bad. I iced it a little bit at the time and took lots of NSAIDS. But it is still aching at times when I sit on it, or even when I have a big fart or bowel movement. There is no sharp or burning pain, just dull ache....

Answer 5

You may have chipped your tailbone or even broke it. I broke mine in a motorcycle accident one time and it took at least 2 years to heal. I found that taking pressure off your tailbone while sitting helps a lot. I got into the habit of pulling my leg up under me while I sat, just to relieve that pressure. It especially hurts when you first stand up or sit down. I'm not an expert, but it takes a long time to heal this part of your body. You should probably go to a doctor to have him check it out dumplin', even though there isn't much they can do for it. Sorry I couldn't have given you better news. Painful, huh?

Answer 6

After 3 weeks, since it is still bothering you, it is reasonable to have a proper examination performed. A proper exam should include a thorough Chiropractic evaluation to determine if any biomechanical dysfunction is present in your pelvis and spine.

P.S. Haven't they taught you about the dangers of 'lots of NSAIDs'?????

Answer 7

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