Falling hard on your bottom, particularly on your tailbone (coccyx), typically results in bruising and pain. While serious injuries are rare, they can occur.
Here's a breakdown of what can happen:
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Bruising and Pain: This is the most common outcome. The impact can cause significant bruising around the tailbone area, leading to tenderness and pain, especially when sitting or standing for extended periods.
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Tailbone Injury: A direct impact can injure the tailbone itself. This can range from a mild bruise to, in rare cases, a fracture or dislocation.
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Pain Aggravation: You'll likely experience increased pain when:
- Sitting
- Standing up after sitting
- During bowel movements
- During sexual intercourse
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Possible Complications (Rare): While uncommon, severe falls can result in:
- Coccyx Fracture: A break in the tailbone.
- Coccyx Dislocation: The tailbone becomes misaligned.
- Sciatica: Nerve pain radiating down the leg due to inflammation around the tailbone.
- Chronic Pain: Persistent pain in the tailbone area that lasts for months or even years.
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When to Seek Medical Attention: Consult a doctor if you experience:
- Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Numbness or tingling in your legs or feet.
- Difficulty controlling your bowels or bladder.
- Visible bruising or swelling around the tailbone.
In summary, while a hard fall on your bottom is usually painful due to bruising, it can, in rare cases, lead to more serious tailbone injuries requiring medical attention.
