Chad Meyers | January 9, 2026 | Personal Injury
A broken tailbone, also called a coccyx fracture, can cause lingering pain that interferes with everyday activities. This type of personal injury often occurs after a fall, a sports-related impact, or a motor vehicle accident. Because symptoms may not be immediately apparent, people sometimes delay seeking treatment.
If you were injured in an accident in Nashville, understanding the symptoms of a broken tailbone can help you recognize when it is time to seek medical care.
What Is the Tailbone and Why Is It Important?
The tailbone is a small group of bones located at the very bottom of the spine. It plays a key role in supporting your weight when you sit and helps stabilize muscles and ligaments connected to the pelvis.
Due to its position, the coccyx absorbs force during backward falls or sudden impacts. Even a relatively low-height fall can injure the tailbone, especially on hard surfaces.
Common Symptoms of a Broken Tailbone
A broken tailbone can cause a range of symptoms that vary in intensity. Some people may feel immediate pain, while others might experience discomfort that gradually worsens.
Common symptoms can include:
- Persistent pain at the base of the spine
- Increased pain when sitting or shifting positions
- Tenderness when the area is touched
- Swelling or bruising near the buttocks
- Pain during bowel movements
Pain that lasts longer than a few days or continues to worsen may suggest more than a minor bruise. Here is a closer look at some of the more common symptoms of a broken tailbone
Pain That Gets Worse When Sitting
Pain while sitting is one of the most recognizable signs of a tailbone fracture. Many people feel sharp or deep aching pain when seated, particularly on firm surfaces.
Leaning forward, sitting on one hip, or using a cushioned seat may offer temporary relief. Still, this type of pain often affects work, driving, and daily routines.
Pain During Movement or Pressure
Movements that place pressure on the lower spine can become uncomfortable or painful. Standing up from a seated position, bending over, or climbing stairs may trigger pain near the tailbone.
Over time, people may limit movement to avoid discomfort. Reduced activity can contribute to stiffness and prolong the recovery process.
Swelling, Bruising, and Visible Changes
Swelling or discoloration around the tailbone area may appear after an injury. Although not everyone develops visible bruising, tenderness and inflammation can indicate trauma beneath the surface.
These symptoms may make sitting or lying down uncomfortable and should not be ignored if they persist.
Symptoms That May Appear Later
Not all tailbone injuries cause immediate symptoms. In some cases, soreness or stiffness develops days after the accident. Pain may also radiate into the lower back or hips.
Delayed symptoms are common when injuries are initially dismissed as minor. Ongoing pain is a sign that a medical evaluation may be necessary.
How a Broken Tailbone Is Diagnosed and Treated
Many people are unsure how tailbone injuries are diagnosed or what treatment typically involves. A medical provider typically begins with a physical examination and a discussion of symptoms. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, may be used to confirm a fracture.
Treatment often focuses on pain management and allowing the bone to heal naturally. This may include rest, activity modification, prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, and the use of specialized cushions. Understanding the treatment process can help set realistic expectations during recovery.
When to Seek Medical Attention After a Tailbone Injury
You should consider medical care if tailbone pain does not improve within a few days, interferes with daily activities, or becomes more severe. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or difficulty with bowel control require prompt evaluation and attention.
Early diagnosis helps guide treatment and creates medical records that may be important if the injury resulted from an accident.
Contact a Nashville Personal Injury Attorney from Meyers Personal Injury Law for Help Today
A broken tailbone can cause ongoing pain, missed work, and unexpected medical expenses. Meyers Personal Injury Law has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims and understands the challenges these injuries can create.
Schedule a free consultation with our Nashville personal injury lawyers today to learn more about what options you may have to pursue compensation after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
If you were injured in an accident in Nashville or Brentwood and need legal help, contact our Nashville personal injury lawyers at Meyers Personal Injury Law to schedule a free case review today.
Meyers Personal Injury Law Nashville
1308 Rosa L Parks Blvd Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 258-9000
Meyers Personal Injury Law Brentwood
105 Continental Pl Suite 100, Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 258-9000
About the Author Chad Meyers
Chadwick D.G. Meyers is the founding attorney of Meyers Personal Injury Law. He earned his J.D. from the Nashville School of Law and focuses his practice on serious personal injury cases involving car accidents, wrongful death, funeral home negligence, and more.
Chad is frequently consulted by attorneys nationwide on complex claims and has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers and other legal organizations. Click here to view some of the successful case results Chad has achieved for his clients.
