Coccygectomy/Broken Tailbone Surgery in Wyomissing, PA

The impact of a hard fall or a direct blow is the leading cause of broken tailbones. You may experience pain when walking, sitting, or having a bowel movement. Swelling and bruising may also accompany the pain. While a fractured tailbone will generally heal on its own in 8 to 12 weeks, others may have problems healing causing symptoms beyond 12 weeks.

If your broken tailbone is causing chronic pain or uncomfortable, long-lasting symptoms, your orthopedic coccyx surgeon in Wyomissing, PA at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can tell you what course of treatment is best to repair your broken tailbone. We can also advise you if you need surgery to repair the injury and any other problems related to the fractured tailbone. Our Concierge Team can also help streamline your treatment. 

When Does a Broken Tailbone Require Surgery?

Because a tailbone can’t be set like other bones can, other treatment options are required to facilitate the healing of a broken tailbone. Treatments can include:

• Taking pain relievers
• Icing the area for a couple of days to reduce swelling and pain
• Sitting on a special pillow or cushion to protect the tailbone

Chronic pain called coccydynia can arise when the tailbone injury is not healing as expected. Experiencing long-term tailbone pain, difficulty standing up after laying or sitting, or much discomfort during bowel movements is indicative of coccydynia. This chronic pain and discomfort can sometimes make it unbearable to work and participate in activities you enjoy. In this case, other treatment options can be applied if you are experiencing chronic coccyx pain. These treatments include:

• Cortisone injections
• Physical therapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Coccygeal manipulation

However, if other symptoms appear, this may indicate a more severe problem that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms are:

• A sudden increase in pain or swelling
• Sudden numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both legs
• Constipation persisting over time
• You can no longer control your bowel or bladder

These symptoms could indicate that ligaments or muscles inserted into the tailbone or nerves in the area could have been injured when the tailbone was fractured. If you’re experiencing these symptoms or conventional treatments are not helping your coccydynia, your doctor may recommend surgery. 

How to Prepare for a Coccygectomy in Wyomissing, PA

This surgery is generally outpatient, so you’ll be discharged on the same day. Since you’ll be given general anesthesia during the procedure, you’ll have to have someone drive you home. Make sure you have over-the-counter pain relievers and ice and heat packs available. Sitting will be uncomfortable for several weeks after the procedure, so invest in seat cushions or pillows.

Although inflatable donut cushions are still available, these may not provide the best comfort or protection. Donut seat pillows are available filled with gel or memory foam for added comfort. You can also find square cushions with cutouts filled with air, foam, or gel. Both donut and square pillows are available in flat or sloped shapes. Whatever you select, you’ll want to get a couple of them for use in the home, car, and work.

Having loose clothing and flat shoes to wear will help in the recovery process. 

What to Expect When Recovering From Coccyx Surgery

You’ll most likely be able to walk on the same day as your surgery, and you should return to your normal activities as soon as possible. You can drive and return to work when it’s comfortable for you to do so. However, if your job requires sitting for long periods of time, it may take longer.

Pain can be eased by the over-the-counter pain relievers you stocked in your medicine cabinet, while pain and swelling can be relieved with ice packs applied to the area. Once the swelling has subsided, you can use heat packs to relieve additional pain. Wound care is important when recovering from a Wyomissing coccygectomy. Keep the area clean to avoid infections. You can do this by applying dressings supplied to you after the surgery.

Sleeping may be a problem when recovering too. You can try sleeping on your side, but it may still be uncomfortable. If so, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees or on your front with or without a pillow under your hips. 

The Coccygectomy Surgeons in Wyomissing, PA at NJ Spine & Orthopedic Can Ease Your Symptoms

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our surgeons can help with broken tailbones by conducting physical exams, taking X-rays and CT scans to confirm the injury, recommending treatments that will allow the tailbone to heal independently, and applying minimally invasive surgical techniques when other treatments don’t work. 

Our Wyomissing coccyx surgeons at NJ Spine & Orthopedic are the leading experts regarding broken tailbones and can relieve your symptoms when nothing else helps. If you need relief from tailbone pain, call (866) 553-0612 or complete our contact form to get you back to doing the things you enjoy.