Tailbone pain can be surprisingly limiting. Sitting at work, driving, exercising, getting up from a chair, or even relaxing on the sofa can become difficult when the coccyx is irritated. At RAD Clinics, we regularly see patients with persistent coccyx pain who have already tried cushions, rest, pain relief, or physiotherapy but still feel held back by symptoms.
A coccydynia injection may be considered when tailbone pain has not improved with conservative treatment. Using ultrasound guidance, we can assess the painful area and, where clinically appropriate, deliver targeted treatment with greater accuracy. This guide explains what coccydynia is, when an injection may help, what types of injections are used, and what you can expect from treatment at RAD Clinics.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for people experiencing ongoing tailbone pain that has not settled with simple measures such as rest, cushions, physiotherapy, activity changes, or medication.
You may be looking for answers if:
- Sitting has become painful or uncomfortable
- Pain worsens when standing up from a seated position
- You have had symptoms for several months
- Your pain started after a fall, childbirth, or prolonged sitting
- Your symptoms are affecting work, sleep, driving, exercise, or daily life
- You want to understand whether an ultrasound-guided coccydynia injection may be suitable
This information is general and should not replace advice from your own doctor or clinician. A proper assessment is important before deciding which treatment is right for you.
What is coccydynia, and why does the coccyx cause such persistent pain?
Coccydynia is the medical term for pain coming from the coccyx, commonly known as the tailbone. The coccyx sits at the very bottom of the spine. Although it is small, it plays an important role when you sit because it helps support body weight and connects with several muscles, ligaments, and joints.
When the coccyx or the tissues around it become inflamed, strained, bruised, or irritated, pain can become persistent. This is partly because the area is difficult to fully rest. Every time you sit, drive, cycle, lean back, or move from sitting to standing, pressure or tension can pass through the coccyx.
Coccydynia is more common in women and can develop after childbirth, a fall directly onto the tailbone, repetitive strain, or prolonged sitting. In some people, the coccyx may be more mobile than usual, unstable, or affected by joint inflammation or degenerative change. Less commonly, coccyx pain may be linked to infection or tumour-related causes, which is why persistent or unusual symptoms should be assessed properly.
What are the common causes of coccyx pain?
Common causes include:
- A fall directly onto the tailbone
- Childbirth-related injury
- Repetitive strain from prolonged sitting
- Inflammation around the sacrococcygeal joint
- Coccyx instability or excessive movement
- Degenerative changes
- Less commonly, infection or tumour-related conditions
Why does coccydynia pain get worse when sitting or standing up?
Sitting places direct pressure on the coccyx. Standing up from a seated position can also pull on the surrounding ligaments, joints, and soft tissues. If these structures are inflamed, even normal movement can trigger sharp, aching, or burning pain.
Some people describe the pain as localised and tender, while others feel discomfort that spreads around the lower back, buttocks, or pelvic area.
How long does coccydynia normally last without treatment?
Mild coccyx pain may improve within a few weeks, especially if it follows a minor injury and the area is protected from pressure. However, chronic coccydynia can last for months or even years if the underlying irritation continues.
If symptoms have lasted several months, are not improving, or are affecting your quality of life, it may be time to consider a specialist assessment.
When should I consider a coccydynia injection rather than conservative treatment?
Most patients should try conservative treatment first. This means non-surgical options such as cushions, activity changes, physiotherapy, posture correction, and suitable pain relief.
A coccydynia injection is usually considered when symptoms continue despite these measures. It may be appropriate if pain is interfering with sitting, work, sleep, exercise, driving, or everyday activities.
At RAD Clinics, we do not treat every case of coccyx pain with an injection straight away. We first assess your symptoms, previous treatments, and clinical findings to decide whether an injection is likely to be helpful.
How to treat a sore coccyx at home first
Before considering injection treatment, simple measures may help:
- Use a coccyx cushion or doughnut cushion
- Avoid sitting for long periods without breaks
- Lean slightly forward when sitting if this reduces pressure
- Modify activities that aggravate symptoms
- Apply ice or heat depending on what feels more comfortable
- Use suitable pain relief if it is safe for you to do so
- Consider physiotherapy or guided rehabilitation
You should speak to a healthcare professional before taking anti-inflammatory medication if you have stomach ulcers, kidney disease, blood-thinning medication, asthma triggered by NSAIDs, or other medical concerns.
What conservative treatments should I try before an injection?
Conservative treatment may include physiotherapy, postural correction, activity modification, cushioned seating, anti-inflammatory medication where suitable, and manual therapy in selected cases.
The goal is to reduce pressure on the coccyx, calm inflammation, improve movement patterns, and prevent repeated irritation.
How do I know if my coccyx pain needs medical intervention?
You may benefit from a medical assessment if:
- Symptoms have lasted several months
- Pain remains despite home treatment
- Sitting is difficult or impossible for long periods
- Pain affects work, sleep, driving, or exercise
- Flare-ups keep returning
- You have severe pain after trauma
- You have unexplained weight loss, fever, night pain, or a history of cancer
These warning signs do not always mean something serious is present, but they should be checked.
What types of injection are used to treat coccydynia?
Different injections may be used depending on the likely source of pain. The aim is to reduce inflammation, calm irritated tissues, interrupt pain signalling, and improve function.
The two commonly discussed options are a steroid injection for coccydynia.
What is a steroid injection for coccydynia?
A corticosteroid injection targets inflammation around the coccyx or sacrococcygeal joint. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications. It is often combined with a local anaesthetic, which temporarily numbs the area. A steroid injection mainly treats local inflammation.
Is PRP used for coccydynia?
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is sometimes discussed for musculoskeletal problems. However, it is not currently considered a standard first-line treatment for coccydynia. In selected cases, regenerative options may be explored, but the evidence for PRP in coccyx pain is more limited than for steroid injections and nerve blocks.
Why is ultrasound guidance important for a coccydynia injection?
An ultrasound-guided coccydynia injection allows us to view relevant structures in real time. This helps guide the needle towards the intended target rather than relying on touch alone.
Ultrasound guidance can help improve accuracy, avoid nearby soft tissues and blood vessels, and make the procedure more controlled. Accurate placement matters because the coccyx is small, the area can be sensitive, and the pain source may be very specific.
What does the ultrasound scan show during a coccyx injection?
During an ultrasound-guided coccyx injection, the scan may help show:
- The coccyx and surrounding soft tissues
- Relevant joints and ligaments
- Anatomical landmarks
- Needle position during treatment
- The area where medication is being delivered
Is a coccydynia injection painful to have?
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. A local anaesthetic is usually used to reduce discomfort. You may feel pressure, brief stinging, or temporary soreness afterwards.
Some patients feel an early improvement from the local anaesthetic, but this may wear off before the steroid effect begins.
How long does a coccydynia injection procedure take?
Most appointments take around 20 to 30 minutes, although the injection itself usually takes only a few minutes. The rest of the appointment is used for assessment, explanation, positioning, ultrasound guidance, and aftercare advice.
How effective is a coccydynia injection, and how long do results last?
Many patients experience meaningful improvement after an appropriately targeted tailbone pain injection, but results vary. Relief may last weeks to many months, depending on the underlying cause, how long symptoms have been present, and how the body responds.
Some people feel significant pain relief and improved sitting tolerance. Others may need further assessment, repeat treatment, physiotherapy, or a different pain-management approach.
How soon after the injection will my tailbone pain improve?
The local anaesthetic may provide short-term relief soon after the procedure. Steroid medication often takes several days to begin working, and maximum benefit may take one to three weeks.
It is also possible to feel temporary soreness for a few days after the injection.
How many coccydynia injections can I have?
This depends on your response, the type of injection used, your medical history, and the clinical judgement of the treating clinician. Repeat injections may be considered when appropriate, but they should not be used unnecessarily.
What should I do if the first injection does not work?
If the first injection does not help, it does not always mean nothing can be done. A follow-up assessment may be needed to reconsider the diagnosis, review imaging, or discuss alternative injection techniques and pain-management strategies.
Do I need a GP referral for a coccydynia injection at RAD Clinics?
No. At RAD Clinics, patients can self-refer for assessment and treatment. You do not need a GP referral to book an appointment.
Your consultation helps us decide whether a private coccydynia injection is appropriate for your symptoms. If we feel another pathway is more suitable, we will explain this clearly.
What does a coccydynia injection appointment at RAD Clinics involve?
Your appointment may include:
- Clinical assessment
- Discussion of your symptoms and medical history
- Review of previous treatments or imaging
- Ultrasound examination where appropriate
- Explanation of treatment options
- Ultrasound-guided injection if clinically indicated
- Aftercare advice
Where are coccydynia injections available at RAD Clinics?
Please contact RAD Clinics directly to confirm the most suitable clinic location and current appointment availability.
How much does a private coccydynia injection cost?
Costs vary depending on the consultation, assessment, and type of injection performed. Current pricing is available in the RAD Clinics Fee Guide.
Please note that fees are subject to change, so we always recommend confirming the latest cost directly with RAD Clinics before booking.
Key takeaways
Coccydynia is persistent pain arising from the tailbone and surrounding structures. It can follow falls, childbirth, prolonged sitting, joint irritation, or coccyx instability.
Conservative treatment should usually be tried first. If pain continues and affects daily life, an ultrasound-guided coccydynia injection may be considered. Steroid injection is commonly used, depending on the suspected pain source.
At RAD Clinics, we offer self-referral access to assessment and ultrasound-guided treatment without requiring a GP referral. Our aim is to provide clear explanations, careful assessment, and targeted treatment where appropriate.
Common questions about Coccydynia Injection
What is a ganglion impar block?
A ganglion impar block is an injection around a nerve structure near the front of the coccyx. It aims to reduce pain signals from the tailbone and surrounding area.
When should I consider an injection for coccydynia?
You may consider an injection if tailbone pain has persisted despite cushions, physiotherapy, activity changes, and suitable medication, especially if it affects sitting or daily life.
Is a coccyx injection painful?
Most patients tolerate it well. Local anaesthetic is usually used, and any soreness afterwards is usually temporary.
How long does pain relief last after a coccydynia injection?
Pain relief may last from weeks to many months. Some patients need further treatment or rehabilitation depending on their response.
Can I self-refer for a coccydynia injection?
Yes. At RAD Clinics, you can self-refer for assessment and treatment without needing a GP referral.
References
- Finsen V, Kalstad AM, Knobloch RG. Corticosteroid injection for coccydynia: a review of 241 patients. Bone & Joint Open. 2020.
- Choudhary R, Kunal K, Kumar D, Nagaraju V, Verma S. Improvement in pain following ganglion impar blocks and radiofrequency ablation in coccygodynia patients: a systematic review. Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia. 2021.
