Tailbone (Coccyx) InjuryMedical Author:
Steven Doerr, MD
Steven Doerr, MDSteven Doerr, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Doerr received his undergraduate degree in Spanish from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He graduated with his Medical Degree from the University Of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado in 1998 and completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine from Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, Colorado in 2002, where he also served as Chief Resident. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Tailbone Injury OverviewThe coccyx, or tailbone, is the triangular bony structure located at the bottom of the vertebral column. It is composed of three to five bony segments held in place by joints and ligaments. A coccyx or tailbone injury results in pain and discomfort in the tailbone area (the condition is called coccydynia). These injuries may result in a bruise, dislocation, or break (fracture) of the coccyx. Although they may be slow to heal, the majority of coccyx injuries can be managed with conservative treatment. The majority of coccyx injuries occur in women because the female pelvis is broader, and the coccyx is more exposed. Viewer Comments & ReviewsTaibone Injury - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the treatment for your tailbone injury? Tailbone (Coccyx) Injury - Recovery TimesThe eMedicineHealth physician editors asked:What was the recovery time for your tailbone injury? Tailbone (Coccyx) Injury - Describe Your InjuryThe eMedicineHealth physician editors asked:Please describe your tailbone injury. |
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Tailbone (Coccyx) Injury
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) »
MRI Introduction
History of MRI
Working independently, Felix Bloch of Stanford University and Edward Purcell of Harvard University made the first successful nuclear magnetic resonance experiment to study chemical compounds in 1946. Dr Bloch and Dr Purcell were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1952. In the early 1980s, the first "human" magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners became available, producing images of the inside of the body. Current MRI scanners produce highly detailed 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional images of the human anatomy.
Introduction
- An MRI is similar to a computerized topography (CT) scanner in that it produces cross-sectional images of the body. Looking at images of the body in cross section can be compared to looking at the inside of a loaf of bread by slicing it. Unlike a CT scan, MRI does not use x-rays. Instead, it uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce...
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Coccyx Pain »
Coccyx pain (tailbone pain) can frustrate patients and significantly impair quality of life, but relief is possible.
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