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Medical Author:

Steven Doerr, MD

Steven Doerr, MD

Steven 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.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa 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.

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Exams and Tests

The cause of a coccyx injury is largely determined based on a medical history and a physical examination. Occasionally, x-rays or other imaging studies may be performed.

• The entire vertebral column (spine) may be examined. A neurologic examination may be performed. A rectal examination may also be performed. For this exam, the physician inserts a finger into your rectum to feel the area of the coccyx and determines if there is a dislocation or a fracture that can be felt and if direct pressure against the coccyx reproduces your pain.
  
  
• X-rays may be taken to determine whether there is a fracture or dislocation. However, x-rays occasionally may not reveal these injuries. Some physicians recommend x-rays in both the standing and seated positions to better determine the presence of a fracture or dislocation. Rarely, at the discretion of your physician, a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be ordered at a later time if x-rays do not reveal the cause of continuing coccyx discomfort.