Tailbone trauma is an injury to the small bone at the lower tip of the spine.
Actual fractures of the tailbone (coccyx) are not common. Tailbone trauma usually involves bruising of the bone or pulling of the ligaments.
Backward falls onto a hard surface, such as a slippery floor or ice, are the most common cause of this injury.
For tailbone trauma where no spinal cord injury is suspected:
If you suspect injury to the neck or spine, do not attempt to move the patient.
Do NOT attempt to move the patient if you think there may be injury to the spinal cord.
Call for immediate medical help if:
Coccyx injury