Coccygeal Nerve Block
(Relief for Tailbone Pain or Coccydynia)
Overview
The coccygeal nerve block is a targeted injection used to diagnose and treat coccydynia, or tailbone pain. This pain can result from trauma, prolonged sitting, childbirth, or degenerative changes in the coccyx. The coccygeal nerve block interrupts pain signals from the tailbone region, offering relief and aiding in confirming the source of pain.
At Restore Spine and Pain, this procedure is typically performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure precise placement and maximize safety.
Conditions Treated
- Coccydynia (tailbone pain)
- Chronic post-traumatic coccyx pain
- Pain after prolonged sitting or childbirth
- Idiopathic tailbone pain
What are the risks and side effects?
Risks and side effects are minimal, and serious complications are rare. We take every precaution to ensure your safety. Potential risks may include but are not limited to:
- Temporary increase in pain
- Infection or bleeding
- Vasovagal response (fainting or dizziness)
- Allergic reaction to the medications
- Injury to surrounding tissues (rare)
- Elevated blood sugar in diabetic patients
Ask your provider if you have any concerns. Your physician will review the risks in detail before the procedure to ensure you are fully informed.
Pre-Procedure Information
How Should I Prepare?
- Driver Required: We ask that you arrange for a driver to take you home after the procedure.
- Food: You may eat a light meal 1–2 hours prior to the procedure. If sedation is planned, please follow the specific sedation protocol provided by our team.
Medications:
- Continue routine medications unless directed otherwise.
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Blood thinners, Aspirin, NSAIDs, and supplements:
- Inform us in advance if you take blood thinners (e.g., Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), Aspirin, or supplements that increase bleeding risk.
- Certain medications may need to be stopped for a short period of time before the injection.
- Speak with your prescribing provider to ensure it’s safe to temporarily stop these medications
- Our team will review your medication list and coordinate with your other providers if needed.
Notify us if:
- You have a fever, infection, or recent illness
- You have started antibiotics or had changes to your medications.
Sedation
Most procedures can be performed comfortably without sedation. However, if you have anxiety or difficulty lying flat, mild sedation may be offered at the discretion of the physician. Please discuss this with your provider in advance.
Special Instructions for Diabetic Patients:
Steroid injections may raise blood sugar levels for several days.
- Please contact your primary care physician or endocrinologist prior to the procedure for management recommendations.
- Monitor your glucose closely after the injection.
- Report sustained elevations to your managing provider.
What if I am pregnant?
Procedure Information
The procedure is performed using sterile technique under image guidance.
What to Expect:
1. Preparation:
- You will be positioned on the procedure table.
- The skin will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
2. Injection Process:
- A needle is guided advanced to the coccygeal region near the coccygeal nerves using fluoroscopy.
- Contrast dye may be used to confirm positioning.
- A mixture of local anesthetic and/or steroid is injected to block pain signals to reduce nerve inflammation.
Monitoring:
- You will be monitored during the procedure to ensure comfort and safety.
- Most procedures last 10-15 minutes, followed by a brief recovery period on-site.
Post-Procedure Information
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Relief Timeline: Steroids typically begin to work within 2 to 5 days, but in some cases may take up to 2 weeks.
- Activity:You may resume light activities the next day; avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. We recommend you return to work the following day.
- Soreness: Temporary soreness at the injection site is common.
- Pain tracking:Keep a log of symptoms over the next 1–2 weeks
If successful, additional injections may be spaced out over time.
Additional Instructions:
- Contact the office for any signs of infection, fever, or worsening pain.
- Attend follow-up as scheduled.
Schedule a Consultation
If you're experiencing chronic tailbone pain that interferes with your comfort and mobility, a coccygeal nerve block may be the solution. Contact Restore Spine and Pain today to schedule a personalized consultation.