The tailbone is also known as the coccyx and can be defined as the bone that is found at the bottom or the base of the spine. This is the point where the buttocks and the back join each other. A tailbone injury could be the result of a fall wherein you hurt your tailbone on a very hard floor.


This condition is found to be very painful. Pain in the tailbone can also be a result of severe bruising and can last for various weeks, and the fracture of a coccyx can take much more time to heal. Taking self care measures at home would aid in stopping, or may be to at least lessening the injured tailbone pain.


If the tail bone gets bruised badly one will need an ice pack, some medication to help in easing the pain. A dough nut cushion is also useful in this scenario.

Start by placing some ice on the affected tail bone area as often as 3 times daily. This can be done continuously for the initial few days. Next make use of some flexible ice packs or even some bags of frozen peas which would conform to the shape of the body for about 20 minutes or so daily. Lie down on the side or the back, as you would feel comfortable. Next some kind of pain relieving medicine may be taken if prescribed by the doctor along with the application of the ice pack treatment. The doctor may prescribe some anti inflammatory medicines to deal with swelling that might have resulted. It is essential to avoid any constipation when the person is in this situation. Straining and also excessive pressure on one’s tailbone could aggravate the pain. Drinking plenty of water and also eating fruits, whole grains vegetables, and foods rich in fiber can help to regulate the digestive system. Besides you could also use some stool softeners to regulate your system. It is necessary to avoid stressful activities, and provide the body with enough rest.  You could check to see if the pain exists while bending over, or walking, or sitting. When the pain has begun to recede and one does not experience as much discomfort while performing these other actions, then one can resume their normal activity. Also try to avoid putting any pressure on the affected area while it is still in the healing process. Your best option is to use the doughnut pillow.