COCCYGEAL NERVE BLOCK

The coccyx, commonly known as the tailbone, is a small group of typically 3 to 5 bones that are fused together and connected to the sacrum, a triangle-shaped bone at the bottom of the spine. The coccyx provides a place for several muscles of the pelvic region to attach to, and it is also part of the structure that supports us when sitting.  
Pain in the coccygeal bone and nerve can result from an injury or trauma, and can be debilitating, especially when sitting. In many cases, the cause of tailbone pain (coccydynia) is unknown.
Symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the tailbone that worsens with applied pressure 
  • Pain in the buttocks and hips
  • Pain that gets worse when sitting
  • Pain before or during a bowel movement
  • Pain during sex
  • Increased pain during your menstrual cycle (women)

Seeking medical treatment is important to properly diagnose the source of your symptoms and restore your quality of life.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A COCCYGEAL NERVE BLOCK TREATMENT 

A Coccygeal nerve block is one effective treatment for relieving chronic coccydynia. It is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require an overnight stay.
For the procedure, the patient will lie face down, and the skin will be sterilized and prepped for the injection. Intravenous sedation may be used for relaxation before the procedure. If a sedative is used, the vitals will be monitored during and after the procedure.
Before the nerve block is injected, a local anesthetic will be used to numb your skin. Then the doctor will use a real-time X-ray to guide the needle into the appropriate space for blockage. Once the needle is placed correctly, a mixture of anesthetic and steroid medication will be injected. If the patient cannot have steroid injections, then platelet rich plasma may be used.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE 

If the pain goes away after the Coccygeal nerve block, the doctor may determine that the coccyx is the source of the problem. If this is the case, a neuroablative procedure may be recommended for more long term relief.