What Happens to Your Body When Your Tailbone Is Broken

A broken tailbone is one of those injuries that reminds you how much you depend on even the smallest part of your body. You might not think about it much — until sitting, standing, or even leaning back becomes unbearable. It’s a kind of pain that stays with you, day and night, especially when you try to get comfortable and can’t.

Across the U.S., tailbone injuries aren’t as rare as they sound. Most cases come from falls, childbirth, direct trauma, sports accidents, etc. 

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really happening inside your body during this kind of injury, or how to recognize the symptoms of a broken tailbone, here’s what you need to know.

The Tailbone’s Role in Your Body

Your tailbone, or coccyx, sits quietly at the base of your spine, just above where your body meets the seat. It’s a small but sturdy triangle of bone that helps keep your posture steady and supports the muscles that control movement in your hips and pelvic floor.

So when it breaks, things change fast. Even small actions — sitting at work, getting into your car, or using the bathroom — can cause sharp, deep pain. Some people describe it as feeling like they’re sitting on a marble or a sharp edge that won’t go away.

How It Breaks

The most common cause? Falling — especially backwards. It could be slipping on ice, missing a step, or falling off a bike. Women sometimes suffer tailbone fractures during childbirth because of the intense pressure from the baby’s head as it moves through the birth canal.

Car crashes and hard-impact sports like skateboarding, skiing, or horseback riding also contribute. Any sudden force to your lower back or pelvis can do it.

How It Feels When It Happens

When the tailbone breaks, the pain is usually instant and sharp. You’ll notice it most when you sit, stand up, or move your hips. Other signs might include:

• Swelling or bruising near the lower spine
• Aching that spreads to your lower back or thighs
• Pain during bowel movements or sex
• A feeling of pressure or soreness, even when lying down

If it’s just bruised, the pain might fade in a few days. But if the bone’s cracked or dislocated, it can last for weeks or months, especially if you keep sitting for long stretches.

What’s Going on Inside Your Body

When that small bone breaks, your body’s first reaction is defense. The muscles and ligaments around it tighten up to keep the area still, but that tension only adds to the discomfort. Inflammation builds, making the pain sharper and more constant.

If the bone shifts out of place or presses against nearby nerves, you might feel tingling or numbness running down your legs. In severe cases, the pain becomes chronic — a condition doctors call coccydynia — and it can linger for years if not treated.

Getting It Diagnosed

Doctors usually start with a physical exam and imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans. Sometimes, early X-rays don’t show much because the coccyx is small and partly hidden by soft tissue. If your pain doesn’t fade, they’ll order more detailed scans to see whether the bone has fractured or dislocated.

Recovery and Treatment

Healing takes time. Most people start to feel better within 8 to 12 weeks, but the exact recovery period depends on how bad the break is. The key is to reduce pressure on the area and manage inflammation.

Here’s what doctors often recommend:

• Use a special cushion: Donut-shaped or wedge cushions relieve pressure when sitting.
• Alternate heat and ice: Ice helps control swelling early on; heat relaxes muscles later.
• Take pain medication: Over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen can ease inflammation.
• Move gently: Short walks or light stretching keep blood flowing and prevent stiffness.
• Physical therapy: Targeted exercises can strengthen nearby muscles and support healing.

In rare cases, when nothing helps and the pain turns chronic, doctors may suggest surgery to remove part of the tailbone. But that’s usually the last resort.

Practical Tips for Recovery

1. Sit only when necessary, and use a soft or cushioned surface.
2. Avoid sitting for long stretches; stand and move around often.
3. Maintain good posture — slouching adds strain to your spine.
4. Use stool softeners to prevent extra pain during bowel movements.
5. Keep your follow-up appointments; healing can be slower than expected.

When to Get Medical Help

If the pain keeps you from walking, sleeping, or using the bathroom comfortably, it’s time to see a doctor. Persistent numbness, radiating pain, or bruising that doesn’t fade could mean something more than a simple bruise. Early treatment prevents long-term pain and complications.

Quick Recap

• The tailbone supports your posture and balance.
• Most fractures come from falls, childbirth, or impact injuries.
• Sharp pain when sitting or bending is the main warning sign.
• Recovery usually takes 8–12 weeks with proper care.
• Chronic pain might need physical therapy or, rarely, surgery.

A broken tailbone might be small in size, but it has a significant impact on your comfort and mobility. With patience, care, and time, you’ll be able to sit — and move — without wincing again.