Fracture of the tailbone. Symptoms and consequences in women, children, men, what not to do, how to treat

Tailbone fracture - This is a violation of the integrity of the lower spine, consisting of several accrete vertebrae. It is important to notice the symptoms of a fracture in time, since the consequences of trauma, especially in women, are very dangerous to health.

Types of pathology

There are several types of tailbone fracture:

• No offset (when the vertebra is damaged, but remains in place) or with displacement, when the vertebra changes its location.
• Closed (bone fragments do not damage the skin) and open (bone fragments damage the skin and become visible).
• Full (the vertebral body becomes completely fragmented into several parts) and incomplete (characterized by the formation of a crack, without destroying the structure of the vertebra).
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• Compression (there is squeezing of the vertebra and a decrease in its height).
• Fracture dislocation. A complex case in which not only damage to the vertebra occurs, but also its bending at an unnatural angle.

The injury can be complex, that is, it can be of several types - for example, an open, displaced fracture. This type of fracture is treated only surgically.

Stages and degrees

A tailbone fracture (symptoms and consequences in women depend on the type of damage) has 2 main stages:

1. The acute stage is the fracture process itself, when the main symptoms of the injury occur.
2. The stage of regeneration (recovery) is when the damaged structures are restored and the symptoms of trauma are eliminated.

Symptoms

Most often, if the tailbone is damaged, the symptoms appear immediately. But due to the state of shock, the victim may begin to feel them only after a few hours.

The main symptom of a tailbone fracture is severe acute pain in the lower back, aggravated by sitting or lying, moving the pelvis, walking. The pain is accompanied by the presence of severe swelling and redness in the damaged area. If the fracture is open, then there is bruising due to damage to the skin from bone fragments.

Also, a tailbone fracture may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• pain and discomfort during the act of defecation;

  

• strong painful sensations when walking up to the impossibility of walking;
• the patient is comfortable only in the prone position.

Reasons for the appearance

The most common cause of a tailbone fracture is a sharp fall on the buttocks, especially from a height (for example, when slipping on ice or skating). In this case, a strong load is exerted on the coccygeal region, as a result of which a fracture occurs.

Fracture of the tailbone in women can be a consequence of childbirth - especially if the fetus was large and heavy. During the passage of the fetus through the birth canal, the coccyx-sacral joint is displaced, which may cause compression and fracture. Trauma symptoms usually appear within a few hours - the woman begins to feel pain in the lower back and buttocks.

Also, the causes of a tailbone fracture can be:

• a direct and strong blow to the coccyx and buttocks;
• Road accident;
• lack of calcium in the body or the presence of osteoporosis;
• non-observance of safety rules during sports or during work in production;
• skiing downhill in winter on “bagels”, “cheesecakes” and ice-cakes (a fall and a strong blow to the coccygeal region are possible);
• poorly developed muscles near the tailbone.

Diagnostics

It is impossible to make a diagnosis based solely on symptoms, since different types of tailbone injuries (bruise, crack or fracture) have almost the same symptoms.

Therefore, in order to accurately determine the fracture, special diagnostics are required, including the following methods:

Method	Description
X-ray	Allows you to determine the presence of a fracture and its exact location. An X-ray is necessarily performed in 2 projections for the greatest accuracy.
CT or MRI	It is performed in case of poor visualization of bone and cartilaginous structures on an X-ray image or in a difficult case. Computer or magnetic resonance imaging allows you to examine the coccyx in more detail, determine the degree and type of pathology and identify the presence of complications.
Ultrasound	It is carried out in order to exclude injuries of internal organs and the presence of hematomas.
Myelography	It is carried out if there is a suspicion that the spinal cord has been affected. It consists in the introduction of a contrast agent into the spinal cord and transillumination of it with X-ray beams.
Densitometry	It is used to determine bone mineral density and diagnose osteoporosis, which can cause a tailbone fracture.

Before the start of instrumental diagnostics, the doctor palpates the damaged area, collects an anamnesis. He also conducts a rectal examination in order to exclude the ingress of debris into this area, to determine crepitus ("crunching" sound) and muscle tension. Gynecological examinations can be done in women.

Fracture of the tailbone (symptoms and consequences in women can also be differently expressed due to the period of diagnosis of the injury) is important to determine immediately. Old fractures can lead to malfunctioning of internal organs.

When to see a doctor

Most often, if you suspect a tailbone fracture, they immediately call an ambulance.

Prior to this, the victim is given first aid:

1. The first step is to lay the patient on his side (necessarily on a hard surface) and maintain his position. It is recommended to put rollers made of clothes or any available materials under the bends of the body.
2. If the fracture is closed, then a bottle of cold water or ice should be applied to the tailbone to reduce pain and swelling.
3. If the victim is conscious, then you need to give him anesthetic and wait for an ambulance.

If the symptoms of a fracture do not appear immediately, but after a while (the victim begins to feel pain, numbness of the legs and back, has difficulty walking), you must immediately consult a traumatologist who will diagnostics.

Prophylaxis

A tailbone fracture (symptoms and consequences may differ for women of different ages) cannot be prevented, but the risk of injury can be reduced.

To do this, you should:

• If possible, avoid sharp blows to the coccyx area.
• When driving in a car, always wear a seat belt (this rule will help to avoid more serious injury and death).
• Learn the technique of a correct fall (it will help to group during a fall and land so as to avoid injury).
• Observe the rules and safety precautions while playing sports and riding "bagels", "cheesecakes".
• Eat more foods rich in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D, as they help to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
• Get regular physical activity to strengthen the spine and the muscles around it.

Treatment methods

First of all, the patient is provided with complete rest and immobility to prevent complications and proper fusion of bone and cartilaginous structures. In the first few weeks of treatment, only a recumbent position is recommended, then you can gently get up, sit and walk, but not for long.

It is recommended to use a rubber circle cushion to relieve pain while sitting. And you only need to sleep on a hard orthopedic mattress - this will help speed up your recovery.

Also, due to the fact that in the first few days of treatment, the process of defecation is difficult, special enemas are used - with their help, the feces soften and are easily removed.

A tailbone fracture (symptoms and consequences in women negatively affect the quality of life) is most often treated conservatively with medications, physical therapy, and some other methods. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and swelling, as well as fusion of bone structures.

Medications

The patient is prescribed complex drug therapy:

Group of drugs	Action	Release form	Names of funds
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)	They have anti-inflammatory and pronounced analgesic effects.	Tablets, suspensions, ointments, gels, injections	Ibuprofen, Nise, Ketorol, Diclofenac
Narcotic pain relievers	They are prescribed as a last resort for very strong, unbearable pain, from which conventional NSAIDs do not help.	Injections	"Morphine"
Chondroprotectors	They have a pronounced regenerating property, promote faster fusion of bone and cartilaginous structures. Most often used in the elderly.	Tablets, injections, ointments	"Chondroxide", "Structum", "Dona", "Artra"
Calcium preparations	They are prescribed for the elimination and prevention of calcium deficiency in the body and for faster fusion of bone and cartilaginous structures.	Pills, injections	"Calcium D3 Nycomed", "Kalcemin", "Calcium-Active"

The choice of one or another medication depends on the type of fracture, the presence of contraindications, the age and individual characteristics of the patient's body.

Traditional methods

Various infusions and other folk remedies are not able to replace conservative medicine, but with their help you can increase the effectiveness of treatment and speed up recovery. Before using any funds, you must consult a doctor to avoid complications and side effects.

Potato compress

Such a compress helps well against painful sensations in the back. To prepare it, you need to boil 1-2 potatoes in their uniforms, then cool to a slightly hot state, peel and crush. The resulting gruel must be applied to the fracture area and covered with plastic wrap and a blanket on top. Keep the compress for 20-30 minutes.

You can also make a compress from raw potatoes:

1. Rinse and peel 1 potato.
2. Grate the potatoes on a fine grater and put the resulting gruel along with the juice on the sore spot.
3. Keep the compress for 20 minutes. The course of treatment is 1.5-2 weeks.

Mumiyo and rose oil ointment

Mumiyo has a pronounced analgesic, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect. Rose oil can also quickly relieve pain and prevent the formation of scars and scars on the skin (if the fracture was open).

To prepare the ointment, you need to mix rose oil and liquid mumiyo in a 1: 1 ratio. The product should be applied to the affected area once a day (preferably in the evening), rubbing gently. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.

Eggshell

Eggshells are a natural source of calcium, so they can be consumed in case of a fracture:

1. You need to thoroughly (preferably with a brush) wash the eggs, then separate them from the shell.
2. Use the white and yolk for normal food purposes, and dry the shells for 3 days and grind in a coffee grinder or blender until they become flour.
3. Take 1 tsp. l. once a day for a month.

Comfrey infusion

Homemade comfrey ointment can relieve pain and speed up tissue repair.

To prepare the ointment you need:

1. Mix 0.5 cups each of chamomile flowers and crushed comfrey leaves (all ingredients can be purchased at the pharmacy).
2. Boil 300 ml of water and add chamomile and comfrey to boiling water.
3. The mixture must be simmered over low heat for 5 minutes, then removed from the stove and left to infuse for 15 minutes.
4. Strain the slightly cooled mixture and add 1 tbsp to it. l. honey, mix.
5. In the resulting infusion, it is necessary to completely moisten a cotton swab and apply to the sore spot for 10 minutes. In 10 minutes. it is necessary to remove the used tampon and apply a new one for the same amount of time.

The procedure must be carried out daily for 12-15 days until the condition is relieved.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy procedures help to eliminate some of the consequences of the fracture and quickly return the patient to his usual way of life.

The procedures are prescribed not immediately, but after a while - when the patient can already move. First, electrophoresis with anesthetic drugs or calcium salts or paraffin-ozokerite applications is prescribed. Then magnetotherapy or myostimulation is prescribed to restore muscles, improve back mobility.

After the acute period of the injury has passed, hirudotherapy and therapeutic baths are prescribed.

Physiotherapy

Exercise therapy during the treatment period helps prevent the formation of pressure ulcers (due to a constant lying position), normalize blood microcirculation and metabolism in body tissues, and tone the muscles.

At the first stage, the exercises are performed lying down and with minimal stress. Later, as he recovers, the load increases - special exercises are prescribed to restore back mobility and strengthen muscles.

At first, exercise therapy is carried out in a hospital setting - the instructor shows the correct technique for performing the exercises. During physical therapy, it is important to perform all exercises carefully and without sudden movements. If pain is felt during the execution, you should immediately stop the exercise and tell your doctor about it.

Massage

Massage during the rehabilitation period is aimed at restoring the muscles located near the coccyx. Mechanical impact helps to restore their mobility and restore metabolic processes in them.

The movements of the masseur should be very smooth and soft so as not to cause complications after the fracture. It is best to take a massage course at a clinic or choose a specialist who is involved in the recovery of patients after fractures.

Food

Since the patient lies most of the time, he needs a balanced diet to prevent a set weight and provide the body with all the necessary substances (vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients). Also, proper and balanced nutrition will help avoid constipation, which is especially undesirable during the treatment of a tailbone fracture.

The patient's diet should consist of easily digestible foods and dishes:

• fruits, herbs, vegetables (rich in fiber, which is necessary for normal digestion and prevention of constipation;
• whole grain bread;
• herbal teas;
• broths and light soups;
• lean fish;
• poultry meat (no more than 2-3 times a week);
• porridge.

During treatment, it is recommended to limit the use of fatty, flour and salty foods. Sometimes you can eat something sweet.

Also in the diet must be present foods rich in calcium:

• greens (especially parsley and dill);
• sesame;
• fermented milk products (especially cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese);
• nuts;
• garlic;
• seeds.

Surgery

The operation is assigned in several cases:

• with an open fracture;
• when the body of the tailbone is fragmented into several small parts;
• with a fracture with displacement;
• when the spinal cord is squeezed and damaged by fragments of the tailbone;
• with severe injuries and disorders of the internal organs;
• with the ineffectiveness of conservative therapy.

Depending on the type of pathology, during the operation, reduction of the coccyx, reposition (comparison) of the debris can be performed. If the spinal cord is touched or squeezed by bone fragments, then these fragments are removed.

If the damage was very strong, and it is not possible to completely restore the body of the coccyx, then the most fragmented parts of the bone are removed and replaced with plates.

What not to do

During the treatment of a tailbone fracture, certain restrictions must be observed in order to prevent complications and deterioration of the condition.

During this period, it is prohibited:

• exert any stress on the back (carry weights, bend over, perform physical exercises, except for therapeutic and strictly prescribed by a doctor);
• sit for a long time;
• lie on your back (it is recommended to sleep and lie only on your stomach to reduce the load on your back and tailbone);
• take hot baths while seated;
• walk a lot;
• strain strongly during bowel bowel movements.

After 3-5 weeks of treatment, the patient gradually returns to his usual lifestyle with a restriction on sports and strenuous physical activity for at least 1 g. Only therapeutic exercises prescribed by the exercise therapy instructor or the doctor who performed the treatment are allowed. If the fracture was of a complex type, then recovery can take several months or even years.

Possible complications

Fracture of the tailbone is a dangerous injury that leads to serious consequences for the body.

Due to the fracture, there may be:

• extensive hematoma;
• inflammation and suppuration of the wound with an open fracture;
• improper fusion of the coccyx sections (if the type of fracture was incorrectly established and surgical intervention was not performed); improper fusion can lead to the formation of cysts and growths;
• chronic constipation;
• neurological diseases due to spinal cord injuries;
• coccygodynia (chronic pain in the coccygeal region that can persist for several years after a fracture);
• migraines (due to spinal cord injury);
• inflammation of the nerve nodes near the tailbone (most often develops with chronic fractures);
• problems with the birth of a child in women (to prevent a second fracture, doctors perform a cesarean section to reduce the load on the tailbone);
• salt deposits.

If the internal organs were damaged by fragments of the coccyx, then serious violations of their work are possible. With a comminuted fracture, the intestines and internal reproductive organs are affected. Men also have a risk of damage to the prostate gland.

A tailbone fracture is especially dangerous for women - in the future, due to an injury, problems with bearing a child may arise (since during this period the load on the back increases). It is important to detect the symptoms of pathology in time and start treating the injury as soon as possible in order to prevent serious consequences.

Coccyx fracture video

Symptoms of a tailbone fracture: