When To See a Doctor

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.