Thomas C. Grajek | September 28, 2026 | Personal Injury
A broken tailbone can cause pain at the base of the spine, especially when you sit down, stand up, or put pressure on the area. Bruising, swelling, and pain during bowel movements can also occur. These symptoms do not prove the tailbone is broken: a bruise or another injury can feel similar. If your pain began after a fall or accident, a medical professional can assess the injury.
Common symptoms of a broken tailbone may include the following:
Pain at the Base of the Spine
The most noticeable symptom is tenderness near the top of the buttocks, where the spine ends. Pain may be dull and constant or sharp with certain movements. The spot may be especially sensitive to touch or pressure. Some people notice the pain immediately after an impact; others become more aware of it when they try to sit or move normally.
Pain That Gets Worse When Sitting
Sitting places pressure on the coccyx, particularly on a firm chair or while leaning backward. You might shift your weight to one side or avoid sitting for long periods. Driving, working at a desk, and traveling can become difficult when even a short time seated increases the pain.
Sharp Pain When Changing Positions
Lowering yourself into a chair or rising from it may trigger a sudden jolt of pain. Bending forward can also aggravate tailbone discomfort. These movements can make activities that ordinarily require little thought unexpectedly painful.
Bruising or Swelling
A direct blow can leave visible bruising or swelling near the base of the spine. You may also feel tenderness without seeing a mark. Bruising can accompany different types of tailbone injury, so its presence does not establish that the bone is fractured. Likewise, a lack of visible bruising does not rule out an injury.
Pain During Bowel Movements
Having a bowel movement can increase pain after a tailbone injury. Tell your healthcare provider if bowel movements are painful or constipation develops; they can suggest ways to reduce discomfort and prevent straining.
Disrupted Sleep and Daily Activities
Persistent pain can make it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position. It may also interfere with exercise, household tasks, or a job that requires prolonged sitting. Pay attention to how long your symptoms last and whether they improve. Those details can help your provider plan follow-up care.
Pain During Sex
Tailbone pain can make sex uncomfortable because certain positions or movements put pressure on the injured area. This symptom can be awkward to bring up, but it is useful information for a clinician. Pain during sex can have other causes, so mention when it began and whether it appeared after the accident.
Aching in the Lower Back or Upper Buttocks
Discomfort may extend beyond one tender spot. Some people feel an ache across the lower back or at the top of the buttocks after a tailbone injury. Tell a healthcare provider where the pain begins and whether it spreads. Pain in a wider area may call for an evaluation of other injuries as well.
Contact the Polk County Personal Injury Lawyers at Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If your tailbone injury resulted from a bicycle accident, car crash, or another accident caused by someone else’s negligence, get the medical care you need first. Your records can help document the diagnosis, treatment, and effect on your daily life.
For more information, please contact the Lakeland and New Port Richey Personal injury lawyers of Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Polk County, Pasco County, and their surrounding areas:
Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers Lakeland
2306 Florida Ave S Lakeland, FL 33803
(863)-999-9000