One of the most common injuries following car accidents in San Antonio is a broken tailbone. The tailbone is a small triangular bone located at the bottom of the spine, consisting of three to five fused vertebrae that serve as an anchor point for muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The following symptoms can indicate a broken tailbone and the need to seek immediate legal assistance:
Pain
One of the most noticeable symptoms of a broken tailbone is pain. A broken tailbone can cause prolonged pain and discomfort that worsens with certain activities, such as:
- Sitting
- Bending
- Walking
- Leaning backwards
Victims may experience localized severe pain at the base of the spine following a fall or direct trauma. This may feel like a constant, aching, or throbbing pain. They may be unable to sit for long periods of time or experience intense pain when shifting positions, making it difficult to work or partake in other activities.
Nerve Pain
Personal injury victims may experience numbness, tingling, or shooting pain. Some victims experience pain that radiates down the legs due to swelling or misalignment that affects nearby nerves. This chronic pain can make it difficult to function or enjoy life.
Swelling, Bruising, or Tenderness
Individuals with a broken tailbone may experience severe swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the lower back or buttocks.
Bruises are sometimes confused with broken tailbones, which is why seeking immediate medical assistance is pivotal so that your condition can be properly diagnosed and treated. Like broken tailbones, bruises can cause soreness and swelling. However, they gradually fade, while broken tailbones often cause sharp, persistent pain that worsens when making certain movements.
Healthcare providers can order diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the diagnosis and rule out bruises or other soft-tissue damage.
Discomfort During Bowel Movements
Individuals with broken tailbones can experience discomfort during bowel movements. Some also experience similar discomfort during sexual intercourse.
A Bump or Deformity
Victims may notice a bump or visible deformity at the site of the injury. They could also see visible swelling, bruising, or other physical signs of injury.
Symptoms That Indicate You Need Immediate Medical Assistance
Some signs that you may need to seek medical assistance because you might have suffered a broken tailbone include the following:
- Sudden or severe uncontrollable pain
- Significant numbness or weakness in one or both legs
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Pain that lasts longer than two weeks
A broken tailbone can take several weeks or months to heal. Medical providers may recommend that patients use special cushions when sitting, avoid putting pressure on the area for prolonged periods of time, and take anti-inflammatory medication.
Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers for Legal Representation and Guidance
If you recently suffered a broken tailbone due to someone else’s negligence, you need a personal injury attorney who can fight to hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries. The legal team at George Salinas Injury Lawyers knows that personal injuries like these often limit victims’ ability to work and enjoy life. We don’t rest until we can successfully hold the at-fault party responsible. Call us today for a free consultation.