Back Problems and Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Did you have a tailbone (coccyx) injury?
See significance of a tailbone injury if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had severe pain for 4 hours or longer?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Is the skin over your tailbone area cut, scraped, or punctured?
Yes Have you had rectal bleeding or are you unable to have a bowel movement?
Yes Have you had moderate pain for 12 hours or longer?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had tailbone mild pain for more than 1 week that has not improved with home treatment?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: August 28, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
 | ||
| |