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How can you care for coccyx pain?
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, take an over-the-counter medicine to reduce pain.
- Put ice or a cold pack on your tailbone for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- About 2 or 3 days after your injury, you can alternate ice and heat. To soothe the tailbone area, take a warm bath for 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day.
- Sit on soft, padded surfaces. A doughnut-shaped pillow can take pressure off the tailbone.
- Avoid constipation, because straining to have a bowel movement will increase your tailbone pain.
- Include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day. These foods are high in fiber.
- Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Get some exercise every day. Build up slowly to 30 to 60 minutes a day on 5 or more days of the week.
- Take a fiber supplement, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, every day if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Schedule time each day for a bowel movement. A daily routine may help. Take your time and do not strain when having a bowel movement.
- Follow your doctor's directions for stretching and other exercises that might help with pain.
Coccyx pain in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child is unable to move a leg at all.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has new or worse symptoms in the legs or buttocks. Symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling.
- Weakness.
- Pain.
- Your child loses bladder or bowel control.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child is not getting better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.