Coccygeal Nerve Block Treatment Specialist Q&A

The coccygeal nerve block is a minimally invasive X-ray-guided procedure that involves the injection of a local anesthetic and steroid medication into the area around the coccyx (tailbone). The coccyx is a small, triangular bone located at the bottom of the spine, and it is connected to the sacrum by ligaments. A coccygeal nerve block is performed to relieve pain in the tailbone area that may be caused by various conditions, including injury, trauma, or nerve irritation.

The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and involves the patient lying on their stomach. The skin over the coccyx is cleaned, and a needle is inserted into the area under X-ray guidance. The medication is then injected into the targeted area, and the needle is removed. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes, and patients can usually return to their normal activities immediately following the injection.

The length of time it takes for a coccyx to heal can vary depending on the severity of the injury. In most cases, a mild coccyx injury may take a few weeks to heal, while a more severe injury may take several months. During the healing process, patients are typically advised to avoid activities that put pressure on the tailbone, such as sitting for prolonged periods, or participating in activities that require sitting, such as cycling or rowing.

Treatment for a coccyx injury may include medications to relieve pain and inflammation, physical therapy, and the use of special cushions or padding to reduce pressure on the tailbone. In some cases, a coccygeal nerve block may be recommended to provide immediate pain relief.

The duration of pain relief provided by a coccygeal nerve block can vary depending on the individual patient and the severity of their pain. In some cases, patients may experience immediate relief that lasts for several hours or days, while in other cases, the pain relief may be more gradual and last for several weeks or months.

The duration of pain relief may also be affected by the type and amount of medication used in the injection. Some individuals may experience significant pain relief for several weeks or even months, while others may only experience temporary relief or no relief at all. It is also possible to receive multiple injections over time to manage chronic coccyx pain. In some cases, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or other treatments may be recommended in conjunction with or instead of a nerve block.

During a tailbone injection, also known as a coccygeal nerve block, a local anesthetic and steroid medication are injected into the area around the coccyx to relieve pain. The skin over the coccyx is cleaned, and a needle is inserted into the area under X-ray guidance. The medication is then injected into the targeted area, and the needle is removed.
Patients may experience immediate pain relief following the injection, or it may take several hours or days for the full effects of the medication to take effect. The duration of pain relief provided by the injection can vary depending on the individual patient and the severity of their pain.

Patients may experience some mild side effects, such as bruising or soreness at the injection site, but these usually resolve on their own within a few days. After the injection, patients are usually advised to avoid activities that put pressure on the tailbone and to rest for a short period to allow the medication to take effect.

Coccygeal nerve block treatment is available at Global Neuro & Spine Institute. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Orlando FL, Conway FL, Edgewood FL, Jensen Beach FL, Ocean Breeze FL, Rio FL, Malabar Palm Bay FL, Melbourne FL, Atlantis FL, Palm Springs FL, Boynton Beach FL, Fort Pierce FL, White City FL, St Lucie FL, Plantation FL, Pine Island Ridge FL, Lauderhill FL, Winter Park FL, Bertha FL, Alafaya FL and surrounding areas.