Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Motor vehicle accidents can cause extensive trauma to the body. A broken tailbone is one of the many types of injuries you can suffer in a motor vehicle accident. However, immediately after a motor vehicle accident, it may not be apparent that you have suffered a broken tailbone. Knowing the symptoms of a fractured tailbone can ensure you seek timely medical attention. In this article, we discuss the meaning of the tailbone, how you can break your tailbone in a motor vehicle accident, and the symptoms of a broken tailbone.
What Is the Tailbone?
The tailbone is at the bottom of the spine below the pelvis. It is made up of between 3 and 5 fused vertebrae. The tailbone plays several crucial roles, such as helping to steady you and support your weight when you sit.
How Can You Suffer a Broken Tailbone in a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Most people injure their tailbone by falling. However, you can suffer a broken tailbone in a motor vehicle accident. So, how can you suffer a broken tailbone in a motor vehicle accident? Motor vehicle accident victims usually suffer a fractured tailbone from trauma to the surrounding area. For instance, the impact of a crash or being jostled during an accident can create enough force to result in a broken tailbone. Even with a seat belt, it is still possible to suffer a fractured tailbone in an auto accident. During a crash, the sudden halt may raise a person from their seat and slam them back down. This impact can result in a broken tailbone.
Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
You may not know you suffered a broken tailbone immediately after your motor vehicle accident. The following are some of the signs and symptoms you should look out for that could indicate a fractured tailbone;
- Constant pain in the lower back
- Pain when squatting, lying down, or crouching
- Loss of bladder control
- Irregular or painful bowel movements
- Pain that worsens when you sit or stand up from sitting
- A visible bruise in the tailbone area
- Increased pain during bowel movements
- Weakness or numbness in the legs
While you may not know that you suffered a broken tailbone immediately after your motor vehicle accident, a fractured tailbone eventually becomes apparent in one way or another because this type of injury causes substantial discomfort.
Diagnosing a Broken Tailbone
If you believe you suffered a broken tailbone in a motor vehicle accident, it is vital that you see a doctor as soon as possible to get a diagnosis. Your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination of the area and may order medical testing, such as X-rays or an MRI, to get a better look at the area.
Thankfully, if you suffered a broken tailbone in a motor vehicle accident, there are ways to treat the injury. Usually, treating a fractured tailbone involves pain management. Techniques that can help reduce pain associated with a broken tailbone include hot and cold therapy, specially designed cushions, and anti-inflammatory medication.
Legal Help Is Available
If you suffered a broken tailbone in an auto accident because of another party’s negligence, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you recover compensation from the negligent party.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Miami, Naples, Melbourne, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Ocala, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando areas.
