Question
QUESTION: Hi I am 17 and I have been having tailbone pain and slight lower back pain and when I stand up i am slower at it. Also I have been having issues with wetting my pants a little bit. I have not told my parents yet. What could it be? I am scared. thanks

ANSWER: Hi Michelle;

First let me tell you that this isn't the scariest thing I've heard of, and it's ALWAYS O.K. to talk about this with your parents.  It sounds like there are three different issues to deal with here:  Your tailbone pain, your low back pain, and incontinence.

Did you fall on your tailbone anytime in the recent past?  It does have an attachment to the muscle that helps control your bladder, and to your low back.   If you sat of it, slumped, for a time that could injure it, as well.  

I think I wrote a blog about this topic on my website, www.dynamicclinic.com, because it's so common, so no need to be frightened.

I would recommend seeing a female MD, PT or DC for this... it may be as simple as a few exercises or adjustments, and you're good as new.

Please follow up if you have any questions about where or why or how on this.

Dr. Carr



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks. Today I have been getting dizziness despite how much water i drink i also feel exhausted and a weakness in my legs and pain in my left calve. Is this a normal sign for tailbone pain and back pain? I don't remember hurting it like badly but have sat on it wrong alot of times and that made it hurt. I am tired and very cranky right now i just want to cry loudly!
-Michelle

Answer
Okay, this is more than what you initially told me.  If you are feeling weak in your legs and feel dizzy, without having examined you, I'm at a loss for what's going on.  Pain in the calf is not normally a result of tailbone pain.  Have you made an appointment with anyone?  Told your parents? You need to go get checked out on this.. it could a be a number of things that all deserve to be checked out.

I'd be really interested to hear what you find out from this exam.