Question
Hello, I have been having what seems pretty serious problems with my tailbone. I am 21 years old and my tailbone sticks out quite a bit after falling on the trampoline/ski accidents from many years ago as far as I can remember it has been sticking out (by that I mean, it is visibly noticeable especially when I bend over) for about 10 years. The pain wasn't bad but is starting to get worse and worse, my tailbone is constantly popping in my sleep or when I am walking. I feel constant pressure on my lower back and always feels like it needs to pop but never does. I am concerned it might be serious, I have been laying down the past few days because the pain is not going away. A few months back I was prescribed an anti-inflammatory powder called diclofenac potassium. It didn't seem to help but I am taking it again in hopes it will help. Please let me know if there is anything I can do or if I need to seek medical care in order for this pain to stop. Thank you in advance- Crystal

Answer
Dear Crystal,

The diagnosis and treatment of pain related to tailbone injury or pathology can be difficult.  The first thing that you need to do is to get a good diagnosis, and this typically is done through a spine specialist, or through an orthopedic specialist.  Imaging is required to see if you have broken or dislocated the tailbone or sacrum in the past, and if so, if it is now malformed or displaced.  There are some individuals that have prominent tailbones simply due to anatomical, natural variants, so the fact that it "sticks out" does not indicate necessarily that it is damaged, injured, or pathological.  I am more concerned with the symptoms of popping, clicking, and pain.

In order to put your mind at ease, and get a good evaluation from a spine specialist.  Taking any anti-inflammatory medication or powder is only going to temporarily treat the symptoms and will do nothing in the long run to help ease your mind and properly diagnose the problem. You will likely have x-rays taken, and then a CT might be indicated to properly visualize the region.

I hope that this gives you some ideas. Be persistent in your search for a doctor to help.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com