What to do in case of fracture-dislocation of the coccyx: first aid and treatment

Everyone knows that the coccyx is a vestigial part of the spine, and no matter how fantastic it may sound - the undeveloped tail that the embryo has, but subsequently ceases to develop.

And if in a simple way, this is the lower part of the spine, consisting of 4-5 vertebrae. Their size downwards decreases somewhat, so the shape of the coccyx resembles a triangle.

The wide upper base has a connection with the sacrum, the tip is facing downward.

There are often cases of fusion of the vertebrae, which does not affect the entire body as a whole.

Of course, the coccyx in the process of evolution has lost its direct purpose, but still it performs some of the important functions.

In addition to the place of attachment of muscles and ligaments, the coccyx is the fulcrum when the body is tilted back and actively participates in the correct distribution of the load on the body. It is thanks to him that we can sit down and not fall.

Fracture and bruise of the coccyx, these are the main injuries to which this part of the spine is susceptible.

There is still such a common notion as a dislocation, but this is more of a spoken name, since the dislocations of the coccyx are fractures with dislocations, or otherwise, fracture-dislocations.

Causes of injury

The cause of such damage can be direct injury, Occurs when falling on the buttock area. A blow can also provoke a dislocation of the coccyx.

Sometimes, diseases of rheumatic etymology lead to similar unpleasant consequences.

Often, a coccyx dislocation occurs in women during childbirth, in the process of intensive attempts, or in the case of the birth of a large fetus.

Any surgical intervention, traumatic sports, cycling on uneven terrain, muscle weakness, lack of calcium, and as a result brittleness of bone tissue can also cause fracture-dislocation.

The risk group is the elderly and children.

What indicates the possibility of injury

The first symptom that indicates a fracture-dislocation is unbearable pain in the coccyx region. Particularly pronounced pain attacks during movement, sit, and even lying is becoming very difficult.

Pain appears during defecation, during sexual intercourse, and even coughing.

In most cases, the tissue in the coccyx region is swollen and possibly, but not necessarily, the appearance of a hematoma.

What to do right after an injury

Once a trauma has occurred, a number of measures should be taken to alleviate the condition of the injured and prevent its deterioration:

1. To reduce the hemorrhage, a cold , be it ice ora container with cold water. If there is no possibility, then for these purposes a cloth moistened in the coldest possible water is suitable.
2. The optimal position for a person with a dislocation or a fracture of the coccyx, is the lying on the belly of the .If you turn on your own, he can not help, but without sharp movements.
3. To relieve the victim of severe pain, you can give him painkillers , but only following the instructions and learning about possible allergic reactions.
4. In any case, needs timely access to a specialist or to the emergency room .
5. If the delivery is independent, without resorting to emergency care, then you should know that the should be transported in the prone position on the side of the .

Diagnosis and follow-up therapy

Before starting treatment of fracture-dislocation of the coccyx, the specialist should conduct a thorough examination, in order to identify the nature of the injury.

Traditionally, a very unpleasant but necessary rectal examination is used, as well as radiography.

Much less often, in more complex cases, computer and magnetic resonance tomography( MRI) may be needed.

The most common diagnosis is the fracture of the tailbone with a displacement, that is, a dislocation with the sacrum.

The process of treatment for a fracture of the coccyx is not very difficult, it can be done in the home, but it is quite lengthy and time consuming, without the help of loved ones can not be avoided:

• for the speedy recovery and easing of the pain to the victim recommend 5 days to lie solely on the stomach ;
• because of difficult movement for the first time will have emptied using enema ;
• the patient needs to constantly adjust the bed linen, excluding friction on the folds, and it is desirable to sprinkle the places of contact of the body with the sleeping place of talc, these procedures will help the to avoid the occurrence of pressure sores ;
• needs to monitor the condition of the skin tissues in order to notice the formation of pressure sores in time and start their timely treatment;
• with increasing pain sensations it is possible to give the patient pain medications , but only on the recommendation of the attending physician;
• is obligatory for reception of vitamin-mineral complex ;
• compliance with the diet.

Traditional methods of treatment

You can simultaneously turn to alternative medicine and use some tools, for example:

• use magnetic devices;
• apply compresses from mash wormwood, grated raw potatoes;
• lotions from alcohol with the addition of camphor will help to eliminate the appearance of pus.

You can prepare yourself an ointment from the crushed leaves of the comfrey( take half a glass) and vegetable oil( 70-80 ml.)

The mixture is cooked in a water bath for about half an hour, then passed through a filter and add a bottle of vitamin E and a third of beeswax. Then all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Ointment should be applied 1-2 times a day and covered with a bandage.

Rehabilitation activities

After 2-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the trauma, it is necessary to undergo a course of rehabilitation, that is, rehabilitation, procedures.

Physiotherapy, physiotherapy, hirudotherapy are suitable for this.

At home, you can use applicators Lyapko, Kuznetsova, hand-rolled and various massagers.

A great tool is massage, which can strengthen not only the site of a dislocation, but the whole body weakened after a long period of inactivity.

Today, the popularity of stone therapy, that is, the impact on the body with the help of stones and elektroanalgeziya - impact on the nerve endings with elec- tric impulses.

After rehabilitative measures, it is worthwhile to take care of yourself and at least temporarily abandon active sports games, riding a motorcycle, biking, lifting weights. And in any case, do not allow hypothermia.

Baths with the addition of sea salt, essential oils and herbal decoctions will have a beneficial effect.

Often there are situations when the dislocation of the coccyx becomes a rather dangerous injury, which threatens the normal functioning of the entire body.

In this case, the pain becomes unbearable and permanent and without surgery in such a situation is indispensable.

Consequences can be very severe

Very rarely, the fracture-dislocation of the coccyx passes without consequences.

These include periodic pain not only in the place of injury, but also in the brain region. It has already been scientifically proven that the tailbone fractures can provoke migraine attacks.

Possible damages of nerve endings can also bring a lot of trouble to the victim and develop into chronic diseases.

And given that the coccyx is part of the spine, it is possible to damage the spinal cord, which can be irreversible.

Of course, no one is immune from such injuries, but if a fracture has occurred, do not treat it with disdain, you should definitely consult a doctor and strictly follow his recommendations.

After all, your health and well-being is primarily in your hands. Take care of your body, take care of yourself and be well!