Anatomy
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What is the Sacrum?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Sometimes referred to as the sacral spine, the sacrum is a bone found that the base of the spinal column. Composed of five different vertebrae that are fused to form a triangular or wedge shape, the sacral bone is also sometimes known as the cross bone. When reference is made to the five vertebrae collectively, the term sacrum is used. However, when referring to any one of the five, it is more common to refer to the sacral vertebrae.

The name for this collection of vertebrae comes from the Latin word sacer, which is translated to mean sacred or strong. The name for the bone is indicative of the belief that the sacrum serves as the cushion or seat for the reproductive organs in both men and women. As such, the bone structure has been considered to be of especial significance in many cultures.

The tailbone, or coccyx, is the lowest segment of the spinal column.
The tailbone, or coccyx, is the lowest segment of the spinal column.

In position, the sacrum serves as the point of connection between several different bones in the middle section of the body. The top portion of the sacral bone joins with the last of the lumbar vertebra. On the left and rights sides, this bone connects with the hipbones. At the base, the sacrum joins with the coccyx or tailbone.

There are some structural differences in how these five vertebrae develop in each gender. Women usually have a sacral area that is shorter and somewhat broader in configuration than that of the male. There is usually more curve with the upper section than the lower. The general effect is that the female sacrum tends to produce a larger pelvic cavity, which tends to provide the female hips with more curves.

The sacrum serves as the point of connection between several different bones in the middle section of the body.
The sacrum serves as the point of connection between several different bones in the middle section of the body.

By contrast, the male sacral area usually has an equal amount of curvature on both the bottom and top sections of the bone. This produces an effect where the male pelvic cavity is somewhat more oval in design than the female counterpart. As a result of the uniform curve, the hips of the male tend to be less prominent in comparison to the rest of the middle section of the body.

Isolated sacral spine injuries are rare.
Isolated sacral spine injuries are rare.

As with many bones in the body, a sacral fracture can be extremely painful. Setting the sacrum properly is essential to the healing process. Often, a cast may be used to help hold the broken sections in position so the body can begin to mend the fracture. Recovery from a sacrum fracture varies, depending on the extent of the fracture, the age and general health of the individual, and the ability of the individual to remain more or less bedridden during the healing period.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

turquoise

@ysmina-- Yes, I fractured mine around the same time you did and received the same treatment- a lot of rest and pain killers. I was in major pain for the first six months or so but it slowly subsided. I've been basically pain free for the past year.

I wonder if there is something else going on with your sacrum? Did you get a follow up MRI or x-ray to see how it's doing? That might be a good idea. As far as I know, healing time can be longer for those with weaker bones due to osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, it might be why you are still in pain.

Your fracture could still be healing or the healing might have not completed. You might be able to get surgery to bind the fractured parts together for sacrum support if that's the case.

ysmina

Fracturing the sacrum is horrible. I fractured mine two years ago and I'm still in pain. The fracture is supposed to have healed a long time ago. But I have pain every single day, particularly when I'm sitting down.

Anyone else here that also fractured their sacrum?

I know this is not a common fracture, especially for a woman. But I really want to hear about other people's experiences and any treatments that they received differently.

After my fracture, I was not put in a cast or anything like that. I just had to lie still on my stomach for several weeks for it to heal and then I started moving around again. I'm currently on pain relievers but it's not really helping.

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    • The tailbone, or coccyx, is the lowest segment of the spinal column.
      By: James Steidl
      The tailbone, or coccyx, is the lowest segment of the spinal column.
    • The sacrum serves as the point of connection between several different bones in the middle section of the body.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      The sacrum serves as the point of connection between several different bones in the middle section of the body.
    • Isolated sacral spine injuries are rare.
      By: ArTo
      Isolated sacral spine injuries are rare.
    • People may be required to remain bedridden during the healing process of a sacral fracture.
      By: charlyedo
      People may be required to remain bedridden during the healing process of a sacral fracture.
    • Individuals recovering from a sacral fracture may need to re-build their balance skills.
      By: Ammentorp
      Individuals recovering from a sacral fracture may need to re-build their balance skills.