I have been battling a tailbone injury on and off for the last 3 years. When I fell on it 3 years ago, all the nerves surrounding my spine and lower back felt like they were on FIRE! I was traveling for work at the time, and had to be pumped full of morphine just to get on the plane back home. I was bedridden for 3 weeks and miserable. And to top it off, my tailbone doctor said I only had one option for relief – removing my tailbone. Hearing his prognosis was devastating to me, because it meant that I would be unable to sit for at least 3 months and endure lots of physical therapy to regain muscle and strength in my body, not mention having a very expensive surgery, having to take lots of prescription drugs, and missing work and life. So instead of going under the knife, I told him and myself – I can heal myself naturally. And I did it through rest, diet and regular acupuncture treatments (yes – needles right into my butt!).
But then I fell again and re-injured the same spot. Oops.
Needless to say, I went straight to acupuncture and will continue on the same path of recovery. I’ll be taking my turmeric supplements and not running or jumping for a while, doing lots of elliptical, stair-stepping, and walking and low impact exercise like Barre. I’ll be having lots and lots of anti-inflammatory foods, so I can make sure my body is healing to its best capacity. That means limiting white flour, sugars, processed foods, etc. and eating lots of plant-based foods like in our Meal Plans for Health program.
One of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods is ginger. Studies are coming out left and right, showing that ginger is more powerful than even drugs. Drugs like Advil, Aleve and Tylenol only work on one level to “block the formation of inflammatory compounds. Ginger, on the other hand, blocks the formation of the inflammatory compounds–prostaglandins and leukotrienes–and also has antioxidant effects that break down existing inflammation and acidity in the fluid within the joints.”
Throwing a big hunk of ginger into my daily green smoothies has been the best idea ever. I’ll be having this smoothie after my low-impact workouts. This smoothie uses hemp protein powder which is one of the most incredible sources of easily digestible protein that isn’t acid forming. For those that want to try this type of protein – I buy Nutiva hemp because I vote with my dollars. Nutiva is a rock star company who supports GMO labeling and transparency in the food system (my investigations!), and they have given over 1.5 million dollars towards supporting sustainable agriculture.
If you are battling an aliment or just want to feel good – this smoothie rocks. The addition of cranberries helps reduce water weight too – a little aesthetically pleasing benefit that makes you look good too.
- 3 tablespoons hemp protein powder
- 2 inch piece of ginger (peeled if not organic)
- 2 cups of leafy greens (kale, collards, romaine, spinach, chard, etc.)
- 1 cup of celery
- 1 cup of mixed frozen berries of your choice (strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, etc)
- ½ cup filtered water
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 1 min or until smooth
- Serve immediately or store in airtight container for up to 1 day
If you see me out and about, I’ll be the girl sitting on the donut pillow. Please don’t laugh.
In hopes of healing fast,
Food Babe
P.S. If you know someone who is popping pills left and right, share this recipe with them – I know they will be forever grateful.
WOW! Painful! I hope you feel better soon. I have found so much pain relief from turmeric, and I just love it. I used to take a OTC pain pill at least every day or two for years, but healthy eating and turmeric has eliminated that almost completely. I can’t wait to try the smoothie!
Carolyn – Thank you so much. I share so much on this blog, but talking about this personal struggle has been hard!
You’re welcome! 🙂
Carolyn, can you tell me which Turmeric brand you take for pain.
thanks.
I LOVE the Organic India brand that mercola.com sells! USDA certified organic and very pure. Hope that helps!!!
I use Starwest Botanicals organic Turmeric. I buy a one pound bag because I also make my own face masks and whatnot with it. I normally make a tea out of it with almond milk, almond oil, cinnamon, ginger, honey, and turmeric. Beware it does stain teeth and skin, but only for a day for skin (I am pale) and for teeth until they are brushed. I should invest in the pills, but I still have half a pound left in my bag, and I can’t rationalize it.
My last four discs are totally trashed. Two are bone on bone the other two are herniated. I was warned to stay off of the Elliptical machine. It causes compression. So if you haven’t already I would find out if that is an exercise you should be doing. Good luck too you. 🙂
Yikes! That sounds very painful! 🙁 I can sympathize with you as I have similar issues with my spine and it seems to never end. I have been adding ginger to my smoothies I make at home and I also treat myself at the gym after aqua therapy to a green juice with a big hunk of ginger added. I love the spicy taste it adds.
I love green juice with ginger too! I think I’m going to take in some aqua therapy as well – thanks for the idea.
Have you tried cold laser therapy? I’m a chiropractor and have successfully treated stubborn tailbone injuries with this modality.
Thanks so much for all of the amazing info you provide….I am a huge fan!
what is cold lazer therapy?
http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-management/cold-laser-therapy-pain-management-treatment
I’m a chiropractor, too, and was thinking the same thing! I love acupuncture as well (Dad’s an acupuncturist), but I’d be running for an adjustment and some cold laser!
Thank you so much. I going to try this. I fracture my neck in 2009 in an automobile accident and have had 4 spinal surgeries sence then. I hope this helps with the on going pain as well. I’m come back and rate you when I’m done. Promise.
Love this recipe! I have also injured my tailbone and know how painful it is and how long it takes to recover! I use ginger often for pain relief, so I hope you are feeling better sooner than later!
So i have tendonitis on my wrists, but I still have to go to work. I have been eating in the anti-inflammatory way that my accupuncturist recommends, but it got worse today. I took some Motrin to get through work today, but is there any more acute method to heal naturally?
Have you tried Turmeric supplements? I am taking them – there’s a link in the post to the ones I use.
Should you take the tumeric supplements daily or only when experiencing pain?
I use Garden of Life Raw Protein powder in my smoothies, which is on your approved list. Is that ok to use in place of the Nutiva hemp? I am currently in physical therapy for an issue with my lower back, so this post could not have come at a better time! Thank you!!
Of course!
What are your thoughts about pea protein??
I hope you saw a chiropractor for your tailbone! Injuries there are so painful, and are often slow to heal, but coccyx adjustments really help many people. Best of luck as you heal, and thanks for the smoothie recipe!
Get well soon!
This article was SOOOO right on time. I’ve been having problems with my tailbone for the last couple of months. I just lost a lot of weight and realize my posture was all bad. My tailbone hurts all the time it seems. I will try this green smoothie out. I love ALL the ingredients and had no idea about turmeric helping back problems and coccyx adjustments. I just started adding turmeric recently and I will definitely look into those adjustments! Thank you!
Heya Vani,
Glad you (of course) went the natural way! OMG remove your tailbone, they are absolutely crazy. Did you see the amazing video of Charlotte Gerson recovering in 3 months from a broken hip at age 90! Just by juicing, eating healthy, and positive vibes : ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq1pDXMkYww&feature=share&list=UUwbrSKPyqtgolrRKcrfjRFQ
We juice daily, and have been for 2 years now. The only thing I’d watch is too much ginger! When we were starting juicing I put about a 4″ piece of ginger in the mix, and {whew} felt so light headed I thought I was going to pass out. It’s great stuff for sure, but for beginner juicers, just ease into it a little by little when it comes to ginger ; )
Loving your YT vids, we watch them on AppleTV, sent the YogaMat story to everyone in our address book, and trying to make everyone aware.
Thanks so much for all you do to spread the word about food and eating healthy!
Chuck.
Chuck – this is exactly what I needed to hear to keep the juicing up. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks so much for sharing ! This smoothie looks so good and I love ginger . Can I put the ginger right into the Vitamix whole? Thanks !
Hi Marissa – yes you can put in there whole or give it a rough chop if you prefer…
Hi – I’m not a fan of celery in my juices or smoothies (REALLY don’t like the taste!) Can you recommend a substitute? Thanks.
Hello – you could use cucumber, zucchini or broccoli stems.
I had a cycling accident three weeks ago and broke my pelvis (ouch). I’ve been making a fresh green juice every day made with Kale, Apple, Lemon, Ginger and Carrot. I’m not sure if drinking this helped with my recovery, but after after 2 weeks I was able to abandon the walker! I am now on my third week, and go back to the doctor this week for a check up. I hope your tailbone heals quick and that you are able to get back to your activities soon!
Would it be possible for you to post your smoothie recipe ? I’d like to try it.
oh and blessing prayers toward your healing. I shattered my dominate arm at elbow 2 bones 2 weeks ago so I’m mending with you 🙂
Hi Sue – Thanks for your well wishes. Your injury sounds painful! I’m sure inconvenient too… amazing how easy it is for us to take things for granted…like walking or even raising your arm to put on a shirt! I have been blending for a while, but just a few weeks ago I broke down and made my husband go out ( I wasn’t walking so good yet) and buy me a new juicer. I love, love, love it. My recipe is pretty simple. I use a slow juicer, but you could make in a blender – just add water/ice to thin it:
3 large leaves kale
2 large carrots
1 apple (I have also used pear)
1/2 lemon
1 inch ginger
I hope you heal fast!
Wowzers….and ouch! You’re just a darling, Mz Food Babe… Wishing you speedy wellness. My hubby just called, as is usual for our lunchtime break, and asked what I was up to. I told him I was sitting here reading Food Babe’s Ginger Berry Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie recipe….and that I’d do anything to look half as cute as you! *smile* He laughed with me…. Honestly, I glean a tremendous amount from your site/videos/links. Truly a God-send. Sometimes one can feel “all alone” in a Candyland world, you know? Sheesh….if we Americans aren’t topsy-turvy eaters, who is. Anyway….I appreciate (greatly!) the support that is clear, positive, freeing and truthful. Thanks for what you do. Keep it up, my cyber coach. You rock! =)
Love that you’re healing naturally with acupuncture and whole food. Sending you a big hug for a quick recovery. I love adding ginger to my green smoothies, so I’ll have to try this recipe out for sure!
Hi Vini, hope u feel better. Gonna try this today. May I ask u what’s your favorite farmer’s market in the charlotte area? Tanx 🙂
She loves Atherton Mill Market.
You need a good Gonstead chiropractor, and will get to the cause of problem, correct the cause from the fall, and your body then will be able to heal itself. Check it out.
What about raw green veggies’ OXALATE ACID’? Isn’t that inflammatory?
You might find this interesting: http://www.bulletproofexec.com/the-kale-shake-is-awesome-so-upgrade-it/
Wow! I knew ginger has many health benefits and detox qualities but was unaware of it’s affect on inflammation. I am excited to add more ginger to our diet as my wife suffers UCTD and the accompanying inflammation.
Thank you for sharing and look forward to your full recovery!
Can you use powder ginger also? If so, how much do you think?
I would also like to know if you can use ginger powder?
I had coccydinia for years. Tried all kinds of treatments. I still have a special pillow in the car. The exercise that seemed to help was tai chi. I can sit fine now without pain. Thank you for the food suggestions.
LOL too late I just had a vision of you as a porcupine, but only if you walked backwards. 🙂 Luv ya Mark
Hey Vani! That does not sound pleasant at all 🙁 I hope you heal soon!
I was hoping you could look into PureFit protein bars. They are GMO free, gluten free, and vegan and they taste amazing to me which is why I love them so much! I just take most of the stuff you do seriously, so I would hope you approve of them as well!
Huge healing vibes to you. All of us have had some kind of injury at one time or another and can relate.
Thanks for the info on ginger! I didn’t know about the healing properties. I just like the taste of it in smoothies. I get the frozen cubes and just pop a couple in. It’s easy when you are trying to get everyone out of the house on time. There are several brands. You can get them at TJ’s or Whole Foods and even my local grocery sells them now.
I’m going to add some tumeric in my next smoothie and really pump it up. Thanks everyone!
Can I make a suggestion about your injury?
You said you fell and hurt your tailbone. I want you to go back in time and think of how many times as a child you fell on your tailbone without injury.
What I am suggesting here is that if the tailbone was bruised it was not a cause for all the misery you suffered, but rather more of a very real pain but in the psychogenic realm. In other words, your pain is real, but it is kept alive by fear.
It may sound counterintuitive, but I hope you can keep an open mind.
For reading on this subject of back pain I suggest “Healing Back Pain,” by John Sarno MD. For long-term information on emotions and fear and pain, “Mental Health Through Will-Training,” by Abraham Low MD.
You received, in my opinion, terrible advice about removing your tailbone (unless your fall was from a second story porch).
Now you are highly conscious of the injury and retain some fear of it.
Just a suggestion outside the food box. I hope you consider it.
Jake
Vani,
THANK YOU so much for all the work you do to educate us on how to stay as healthy as possible and how to heal ourselves as naturally as possible! I LOVE your videos & now my kids share them with their friends cuz they are funny AND informative…their favorite is “DO YOU EAT BEAVER BUTT!” My 11 year old son now looks at ingredient labels for “natural flavorings!” That is great!
Thank you also for all the recommendations for products! I just ordered & received our Aquasana water filter system for the sink and showers! So glad to stop lugging plastic jugs from the store! Thinking about getting the Hurom Juicer now.
You probably get lots of advice and suggestions, but just in case you have not heard of Juice Plus, I really wanted to suggest that you check it out. It is a supplement made from real fruits, veg and berries… not meant to replace eating lots of fruits and veg but a way to bridge the gap for those who aren’t able to consume the large quantities our bodies need for health & healing. The company was inspired by the benefits of juicing, but wanted to find a more cost effective and more convenient way to get phytonutrients and antioxidants from fresh, raw fruits and veg into our systems. So they were able to concentrate juice powders into a capsule or chewable gummy. It’s been researched by universities world wide and used by several European Olympic Athlete teams. My family has seen great benefits from changing to a more whole, clean, fresh and organic as possible diet plus taking our Juice Plus. My husband & I have actually seen our cholesterol levels drop 30 points…my LDLs went from 119-85 !!! That was amazing to me! And our son who was diagnosed with allergy induced asthma has not had to use his inhaler in over a year! I truly believe in the benefits of eating organic, fresh and whole and I have never been a big supplement taker, but I’ve seen how Juice Plus as helped my family and so many others, that I have to share it with everyone that is willing to listen. Hope you will check it out! Would love to know what you think! http://www.cathymurphy.juiceplus.com
Gonna go make this smoothie now! YUM!
Why frozen berries? Why not fresh?
Fresh are fine too. Frozen berries are so convenient, usually cheaper than fresh and they make your smoothies icy cold…yummy!
Our chiroractic clinic loves your website! We often recommend turmeric, ginger, and bromelain, a natural substance derived from pineapples. You have to eat a lot of pineapple to get enough, but there are several good suppliments out there that are well made that can supply these nutrients. Thank you for keeping natural health in such high profile!
Hi what is a safe treatment for slipped disc and misaligned neck? In a lot of pain afraid to go the chiropractor since I hear stories of people getting a stroke after chiropractic treatment 🙁
There is a lot of research that has been done to show the safety of chiropractic care. The best thing to do is research the doctors in your area. Talk to your friends, and see who they recommend. Ask your PCP if you have other conditions that would predispose you for a stroke. There have been occasions of stroke following cervical adjustments, but they are rare and usually the culmination of several conditions-not the adjustment. Our doctor has been in practice for nearly 30 years and never had this problem come up. Find a doctor who is experienced. Don’t be swayed by a fancy office, get their credentials.
There are several techniques for adjustment, including manual and activator. The American Chiropractic Association has a great website to help answer your questions.
http://www.acatoday.org/level3_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=61&T3ID=152
I busted my tail bone when I was about 10 years old and have had issues ever since. Something that has given me tremendous relief is manually going in and pushing my tail bone back because it was constantly moving forward and causing discomfort-among other problems. I had a chiropractor adjust it the first time and since then I have done it myself. It’s not the most fun thing to do, but the relief is amazing. Just thought I would share for anyone needing help.
Vani,
My daughter broke her tailbone while dancing and was in horrible pain. She even had to have cortisone shots, which only provided mild relief. I did lots of research and found a Physical Therapist that specializes in internal manipulation of the coccyx. It is carried out by the therapist placing a gloved finger into the anus of the patient, and gently massaging or stretching the muscles attached to the coccyx. Some therapists also gently pull the coccyx into its normal position, if it is out of position. My daughter felt immediate pain relief! I hope this helps.
Here’s to a full recovery and thanks so much for sharing. I am recovering from foot surgery so anti-inflammatory recommendations are very timely for me. Thanks for all you do — I benefit from your info every single day!
Ginger is also great for seasickness, as well as many stomach ailments and discomforts. You can either chew a small piece of ginger, or eat a small piece and it will settle your stomach and stop the queasiness.
So sorry for your pain! It is some of the worst as so many nerves converge there! This reminds me again of my question about tumeric and warfarin. About a year ago my husband had to go on Coumadin due to afib. Surgery was required for a very dangerous clot. It was a scary enough experience that I am reluctant to buck the system as all is well now. However, many healthy foods such as green leafy vegetables (kale is the #1 offender) and tumeric have had to be reduced or totally eliminated from his diet. Although it seems counterintuitive, the advice seems to agree across the board. Any time we have tried to sneak them back into his diet, the blood work shows it immediately and we get a call from the nurse. I would be interested in what any of your followers who have had “real-life” experiences with this have to say. Thanks.
Would this smoothie have the same anti-inflammatory effect if you didn’t use protein powder of any kind? Thanks!
Sure!
You have my sympathies.
I went through a year of tailbone hell when I was 13. Excruciating pain both sitting down and standing up from a sitting position. Imagine this while being in school and repeating the process class-to-class 5 days/week. A chiropractor got me through it, eventually, with no pain killers. That was almost 50 years ago and I have never forgotten the pain.
I wish I knew then what I know now. For those who do not have a juicer or are just not up to juicing, here’s a shortcut:
1/2 tsp organic powdered ginger
1/2 tsp organic powdered turmeric
mix with 1-2 oz water (I use a shot glass)
chug
refill with water to get residual & chug that too
Do this 2-6 times/day, depending on need.
The juice is better for sure, but in a pinch….
Please feel better soon, Vani!
The website to see if a person is Alkaline or Acidic is not correct from what answers I gave. They must think everyone is Acidic . I stay away from as much Acidic foods as possible. No meat whatsoever. Kale is the best in my opinion to be Alkaline, but it thicken the blood because of vitamin K, which I should be staying away from, but don’t..
Your recipes are great, will have to try this one soon !
Thank You, Food Babe !
I KNOW SOMEONE WHO CAN HEAL YOU AND IT WILL NOT COST YOU ANYTHING.
Hi there, always love your recipes and articles/reports. Tell me, what can you recommend for severe headaches? Please, no drugs. Maybe a smoothie, or juicing?
Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery!!
I use oils to heal my issues (Young Living) and yes, there is an oil for many many issues that a person has. Your issue you talk about and others on this site would benefit from this natural, no side affect way of healing the body. NOT just any oil will do. Always check your sources if you want healing for yourself without all those chemical additives.. Tendinitis, athletes foot, allergies, cuts, burns, back issues and the list is endless.
http://www.ylscents.com/belinda/
you might want to talk to your acupuncturist about balancing out the cold food of smoothies and fresh veggies with warm soups and teas. Too much cold foods can tax the spleen and your digestive system in general. I know, because I’m married to an acupuncturist!
Have you heard of Dr. Mark Derril. He specialies in this kind of injury without sergery. You might want to check out his website. http://www.jointrehab.com along with everything else you are doing he might be of help. He also beleives in holistic medicine.
Vani, the issue you talk about and others on this site would benefit from this natural, no side affect way of healing the body. Eating as healthy and naturally as possible is a good way to go but when you need a little help we’ve used Young Living oils to help our many family issues.
There is an oil for many, many issues that a person has, NOT just any oil will do. Always check your sources if you want healing for yourself without all those chemical additives. Tendinitis, rashes, allergies, cuts, burns, back issues and the list is endless to how these oils can help you heal your body.
Blessings to your health!!!
Do you think this would help with carpal tunnel?
Hi Vani,
I too have suffered with a very sore tail bone falling twice one after another while cross country skiing. It took a very long time about one year for me to sit properly. Since then it’s been great but if I had known about this product then I would have used it as therapeutic grade essential oils have many healing properties.
http://www.oil-testimonials.com/985902
I just looked up a testimony for you and you can use this site to look up many issues for people having issues with their health.
Valor Removed My Tailbone Pain
Author: Anita
Location: MI, United States
Posted: 03-28-2011
Views: 1,526
Character Length: 289
Questions received: 1
Keywords: bones
I had horrible pain in my tailbone so bad I started to think I had bone cancer or somthing because this lasted 8 mts. then I heard a women on the radio that said she had pain in her spine and Valor saved her, I tried it and I was totally pain free in just days, I will never be without it!!
I see you suggest turmeric for inflammations ,Food Babe. In my near family 3 people have used a tblspoon of turmeric powderdaily (bought at ethnic stores. ) All 3 had to stop taking it due to stomach pain.
Wold taking it in pill-form from a health store make us avoid the stomachtrouble?
Thanks! Just had some fresh ginger tea to soothe my somehow(why?) upset tummy.
I was just wondering tho, any tips for period pain?
I NEVER take painkillers, except that time of the month cause I get severe pain. One time I didn’t have any around the house I got cold sweats, shivers, extreme pain and was sitting naked (it was is the middle of the night :P) on the loo for hours cause I just couldn’t move… So any tips at all would be greatly appreciated!
Love the site, Vani! Just ‘discovered’ it! 😀
Check out “ZenBody Therapy. They do deep tissue realignment. Which includes a tailbone adjustment in the 10 session program. I have received this type of therapy, and highly recommend it.
I was wondering what you thought about Gabanol my chiropractor recommended it to me.
Hi Vani! I have similar issues and highly recommend seeing a well qualified and experienced pelvic floor physical therapist. It’s a natural treatment that works wonders and helps fix the problem rather than masking it! Please let me know if you need more info, I can help you out. I have dealt with similar issues for 10 years! My PT said she had a patient that actually had their tailbone removed prior to coming to see her and that unnecessary surgery made matters worse! After PT the patient was much better!