How Injections Can Help Tailbone Pain: Insights from Dr. Gautam Arora

Tailbone pain, or coccydynia, is a condition characterized by discomfort or pain in the coccyx, the small triangular bone at the base of the spine. This pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that affects sitting, standing, and even walking. While over-the-counter medications and physical therapy can provide relief for some, others require more advanced treatment options to manage the condition effectively. In such cases, injections can be a highly effective treatment. Dr Gautam Arora, a leading neurologist and pain specialist at the Neurology and Pain Management Clinic (NPMC), shares insights on how injections can help alleviate tailbone pain.

What Causes Tailbone Pain?

Coccydynia is often caused by trauma to the tailbone, such as falling or sitting for extended periods on hard surfaces. Childbirth, degenerative joint disease, or repetitive strain from activities like cycling can also trigger tailbone pain. In some cases, the pain may be due to structural abnormalities or even infections.

Symptoms typically include pain and tenderness at the base of the spine, which worsens when sitting or during movements that put pressure on the coccyx. Tailbone pain can significantly impact a person’s daily activities, making effective treatment crucial.

The Role of Injections in Treating Tailbone Pain

For patients who experience persistent tailbone pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication, injections can provide a targeted, long-lasting solution. Dr Gautam Arora explains that injections for tailbone pain typically include steroid injections and nerve block injections.

1. Steroid Injections

   One of the most common treatments for coccydynia is a corticosteroid injection. This involves injecting a mixture of a corticosteroid and a local anaesthetic directly into the area around the coccyx. The corticosteroid works to reduce inflammation in the tissues surrounding the tailbone, while the anaesthetic provides immediate pain relief.

   • Benefits: Steroid injections offer several benefits, including reducing swelling and irritation in the affected area. By targeting the source of the pain, these injections can offer relief for several weeks or even months. Many patients report significant improvements in their ability to sit and move comfortably after receiving a steroid injection.

2. Nerve Block Injections

   If steroid injections do not provide sufficient relief, nerve block injections may be considered. These injections target the specific nerves transmitting pain signals from the coccyx to the brain. By temporarily blocking these signals, nerve blocks can provide immediate and substantial pain relief.

   • Benefits: Nerve blocks can be especially beneficial for patients experiencing severe, persistent pain. By disrupting the pain signals, these injections offer relief that allows patients to return to normal activities more comfortably.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Injections for tailbone pain are typically performed in an outpatient setting. Dr. Arora explains that the procedure is minimally invasive and usually takes only a few minutes. After applying a local anaesthetic to numb the area, the doctor will use imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy, to guide the injection into the precise location.

Most patients can go home shortly after the procedure, and while some may experience temporary soreness at the injection site, the pain relief often begins within a few days. The effects of the injection can last for several weeks or even longer, depending on the severity of the condition and the type of injection used.

Conclusion

For patients suffering from chronic tailbone pain, injections offer a safe and effective treatment option. Steroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide lasting relief, while nerve blocks can help manage more severe pain by blocking the pain signals at their source. Dr Gautam Arora and his team at NPMC specialize in providing personalized care to help patients find relief from tailbone pain and regain their quality of life.