Falling on your buttocks can cause pain in the pelvic area primarily due to potential fractures in the bones of that region.
Common Injuries from a Buttocks Fall
When you fall directly on your buttocks, the impact can cause various injuries to the pelvic area. These injuries range from minor bruising to more serious bone fractures.
- Fractures: The primary cause of pelvic pain after a fall on your buttocks is the possibility of a fracture. Common fractures include:
- Coccyx Fracture (Tailbone Fracture): This is a common injury where the small bone at the bottom of your spine breaks.
- Pubic Bone Fracture: The pubic bone, located in the front of the pelvis, can fracture from the impact.
- Sacrum Fracture: The sacrum, a large bone at the base of your spine, can also break due to a fall.
Understanding the Pain
The pain from these fractures can be quite significant and make it difficult to perform everyday activities. Here's what you might experience:
- Severe Pain: Expect immediate, intense pain in the pelvic area, especially when sitting or moving.
- Difficulty Sitting: Sitting down may be extremely uncomfortable, sometimes unbearable, due to pressure on the injured bones.
- Pain with Movement: Simple movements like walking or shifting positions can trigger or worsen the pain.
Seeking Medical Attention
If you've experienced a fall on your buttocks and are experiencing persistent pelvic pain, it's vital to seek medical attention. A medical professional can accurately diagnose the injury through imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. This will help determine if you have a fracture or another type of injury.
Diagnosis and Treatment
| Condition | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coccyx Fracture | Pain in the tailbone, worse when sitting, difficulty with bowel movements | X-ray | Rest, pain medication, sometimes a donut pillow |
| Pubic Bone Fracture | Pain in the front of the pelvis, pain when moving legs, difficulty walking | X-ray or CT scan | Rest, pain medication, sometimes surgery for severe cases |
| Sacrum Fracture | Low back pain, pain radiating into the buttocks and legs, numbness or tingling in the legs | X-ray or CT scan | Rest, pain medication, physical therapy, rarely surgery |
In Summary
The pain you're experiencing in your pelvic area after falling on your buttocks is very likely due to the fractures that can occur from such falls. Prompt medical evaluation can provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
