How Do You Know If You Have a Fractured Sacrum? Warning Signs & Treatments

Whether you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident or suffered a fall, a fractured sacrum is a painful, debilitating injury—but how do you know if you have it? Your sacrum is a bone at the back of the pelvis between the hip bones, and a fracture can even affect your bowel and bladder control. Read on to discover some of the warning signs of a fractured sacrum.

What Is a Sacral Fracture?

The sacrum: the unsung hero of our pelvis. This little wedge-shaped bone may seem insignificant, but it plays a huge role in helping us stand upright. Made up of five fused vertebrae, the sacrum sits snugly between the hip bones, creating a sturdy ring that keeps us upright and stable.

While the sacrum may be small, a break can have big consequences. Studies show that only a small percentage of people with sacral fractures have a single injury—most people also sustain pelvic ring, spine, or hip fractures. So, while the sacrum may not get the attention it deserves, it’s certainly a bone you don’t want to mess with.

Signs of Sacral Fracture

Sacral fractures require immediate attention. Here are some of the signs and symptoms to look out for:

Pain in the Lower Back: If you experience sudden, intense pain in the lower back after a fall or injury, this can be a sign of a sacral fracture. Pain may be localized to the lower back or spread to the hips, buttocks, and legs. The pain may be worse when you move, sit or stand.

Numbness or Tingling: If you have a sacral fracture, you may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet. This is because the sacrum is connected to the nerves in the lower body, and a fracture in this area can cause damage to those nerves.

Difficulty Walking: If you have a sacral fracture, you may have difficulty walking or standing. You may need to use crutches or a wheelchair to get around. This is because the sacrum is important for stability and movement in the hips and lower spine.

Swelling or Bruising: A sacral fracture can cause swelling, redness, or bruising at the site of the injury. This is because the area around the sacrum is rich in blood vessels and can bleed heavily if injured.

Abdominal or Pelvic Pain: A sacral fracture can cause abdominal or pelvic pain, which can be confusing to diagnose. If you experience these types of pain in addition to lower back pain, numbness or tingling in your legs, or difficulty walking, it’s important to seek medical attention.

With Proper Care and Treatment, You Can Recover From a Sacral Fracture

A sacral fracture is a serious injury that requires prompt medical attention. If you experience any of the above symptoms or suspect you may have a sacral fracture, it’s important to seek medical help right away. Treatment options include rest, pain medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. The first step is diagnosis. Contact the caring medical team at Impact Medical Group of Clearwater at (727) 292-0200 for your free medical evaluation, so you can start your journey to recovery today.