The tailbone, or the coccyx, is the lowest part of the spine. An injury to the tailbone can be caused by a fall or even an impact on the part by sports. Any trauma causes bruise or even breaks the tailbone causing excruciating pain to the lower back. In the case of bruising, it's just the skin and tissues that are injured and not the bone. Bleeding is caused under the skin, and the blood has to be reabsorbed by the skin for the bruise to heal. Whether a bruised or a broken tailbone, the injury needs the same duration of time and precaution to heal completely. The symptoms of bruised tailbone include pain in the tailbone area when sitting on soft surfaces or standing up from sitting position. The person will also experience pain in the area after defecating, when someone touches the region, and while having a sexual intercourse.

Ice pack

Additionally, it may also cause pain in the legs. If a person experiences these symptoms, he must consult an orthopedic surgeon immediately.

A bruised tailbone may take just a few days or even a few weeks to heal completely. But, if left untreated, it can take several months or years to heal. The first thing the sufferer needs to do to heal bruised tailbone is take complete bed rest for at least two weeks. This will ensure that there is no pressure falling on the tailbone. While sitting too, sitting on a coccyx cushion, also called doughnut cushion, will ensure speedy recovery from the injury. While sleeping too, avoiding soft mattresses and sleeping on hard surfaced mattresses instead will bring relief and heal the injury faster.

An ice pack placed on the tailbone for 20 minutes to half an hour every few hours will also bring the inflammation down. This will also make the place numb and reduce the pain. Warm baths and deep breathing exercises will also help you deal with the pain. Soaking in a warm bath for 20 minutes (with two cups of Epsom salt added to the water) everyday will also relax the muscles and tissues, and bring the swelling down. It's also important to consume lots of fibrous and healthy food to prevent constipation and strain while defecating. You must also not lift heavy objects, and even if you do, you must not hunch but pick it up by bending your knees. Wearing comfortable open shoes and cotton clothing will also help in healing the injury.