The W.O. Frohring Family Resource Center
Part of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, this center has a resource library with information on parenting, breastfeeding, sibling relationships and much more. Materials may be borrowed for a limited time within the hospital, and copying services are available.
Patients who have recently given birth at MacDonald Women’s Hospital find the library to be an excellent source on topics relating to newborns and their parents. The Frohring Family Resource Center supports a caring and effective partnership between families and their healthcare team by providing general assistance on baby care and health-related issues. You can learn more about the Center on the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital website. Community residents are also welcome to visit or call the center for information.
Health Encyclopedia
Tailbone trauma
Tailbone trauma is an injury to the small bone at the lower tip of the spine.
Coccyx injury
Actual fractures of the tailbone (coccyx) are infrequent. Tailbone trauma usually involves bruising of the bone or pulling of the ligaments.
Backward falls onto a hard surface, such as a slippery floor or ice, are the most common cause of this injury.
- Pain experienced with sitting or pressure on the tailbone
- Bruising on the lower portion of the spine
For tailbone trauma where no spinal cord injury is suspected:
- Give acetaminophen for pain.
- Relieve pressure on the tailbone by sitting on an inflatable rubber ring or by arranging cushions for comfort.
- Administer a stool softener to avoid constipation.
If you suspect injury to the neck or spine, do not attempt to move the patient.
Do not attempt to move the patient if there you think there may be injury to the spinal cord.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if |
|
- Spinal cord injury is suspected.
- The patient cannot move.
- Pain is severe.
- Do not run on slippery surfaces, such as around a swimming pool.
- Dress in shoes with good tread or slip-resistant soles, especially in snow or on ice.
Review Date:
9/21/2006
Reviewd By:
Jeffrey Kauffman, MD, Sacramento Knee and Sports Medicine, Sacramento, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.