Tailbone injury after botched sinkhole jump

Maria, USA - maria_arizpe@hotmail.com

Posted 2022-01-23

In July of 2021 I injured my tailbone by jumping into a 25 foot deep cenote (natural sinkhole) in Mexico. I lost focus because I was too nervous and landed in a seated position instead of stiffening my body and straightening up my legs. I felt a tremendous pain jolt from my tailbone and rippled all through my back. I had to stay in the water for a while because I could barely move.

I took OTC Flanax and pain meds and didn't see a doctor until a few days later upon my return to the US. I developed huge dark purple bruises behind my upper legs and was in so much pain. My regular family Doctor gave me pain meds and said nothing was dislocated or broken after examining an x-ray of my back. So I took it easy and did not exercise at all.

A few months later (Dec. 2021) I started really feeling pain along my entire back. I feel like I've been hunching over more than usual due to the continued tailbone/back pain too. The kicker is that now my CHEST hurts when I inhale deep breaths.

I went for a second visit to my same family doctor and she attributed that pain to osteoarthritis after a normal EKG (to rule out heart issues). She prescribed a steroid inhaler but that hasn't relieved my back or chest pain at all. I try to correct my posture throughout the day but easily forget as I sit a lot for my job.

I haven't been able to exercise at all because I'm afraid it will worsen the inflammation, or whatever the issue is. I am worried and desperate for answers now and ready to visit a specialist .. just not sure which kind. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you kindly!