Connor Nash | January 23, 2026 | Personal Injury
The tailbone, or coccyx, is a small triangular bone at the base of the spine. It’s made up of three to five vertebrae that are fused together, and it provides support when you sit. It also serves as an anchor for muscles and functions as a shock absorber.
Like any other bone in the human body, the tailbone can break if subjected to sufficient trauma. Learn more about the symptoms of a broken tailbone and when you may be entitled to file a claim to recover your losses.
Recognizing a Broken Tailbone
If you’ve been in a car accident, a slip and fall, or any other dangerous situation that resulted in trauma to the bottom of your spine, you could have suffered a broken tailbone. However, it’s important to understand the difference in symptoms between a broken and a bruised tailbone since it’s not always easy to tell them apart.
If you break your tailbone, the symptoms tend to be much more obvious and can include:
- Localized pain and swelling
- Discomfort that worsens when sitting or standing up from a seated position
- Irregular bowel movements
- Constant dull pain in the lower back
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Pain that intensifies during intercourse
The symptoms of a bruised tailbone will generally be less severe. Even so, if you experience any pain, it’s vital that you see a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Treating a Tailbone Fracture
The tailbone is a complex structure to heal because it can’t be put into a cast or otherwise immobilized. It’s also impossible to keep weight off of it entirely.
To treat a fractured tailbone, you’ll likely need a specialized cushion to sit on so you don’t place any unnecessary pressure on the bone. You may also be advised to use hot and cold packs to help with the pain and swelling.
If your pain is severe, your doctor may recommend a nerve block injection. Surgery is rare for this type of injury, and it’s typically a last resort if nothing else relieves the discomfort.
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim After a Broken Tailbone
If you can prove that another party caused you to sustain your injury as a result of negligent or wrongful conduct, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against them. The first step is proving that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care that they breached.
For example, if you were in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver who was distracted, they failed to uphold their responsibility to operate their vehicle safely. If you can show that your tailbone fracture happened as a direct result of their actions, you’ll likely have a viable claim.
Keep in mind that you don’t have an unlimited amount of time to file. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is usually two years from the date of the incident. There could be exceptions, however, so it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney as soon as possible after suffering an injury. If you miss this deadline, you could be barred from receiving compensation.
Contact Our Dallas Personal Injury Lawyers at Nash Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been in any kind of accident that someone else caused and that resulted in a broken tailbone, you may have the right to seek financial compensation. With the assistance of an experienced attorney, you’ll have a strong chance of recovering both your economic and non-economic losses.
Contact us today at (214) 831-4414 or visit our Austin law office for a free consultation with a Dallas personal injury lawyer.
Nash Law Personal Injury Lawyers Dallas
2807 Allen St., Suite 2033, Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 831-4414
