The Treatment of Chronic Coccydynia and Postcoccygectomy Pain With Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Coccydynia: A Review of Anatomy, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

» Coccydynia is a painful condition affecting many patients at the terminal caudal end of the spine.» An understanding of coccyx anatomy and variations of morphology is necessary for proper diagnosis. A multifactorial etiology for pain may be responsible for this clinical entity.» Several treatment options exist. Successful outcomes for patients depend on individual patient characteristics and the etiology of pain.

Transrectal osteopathic manipulation treatment for chronic coccydynia: feasibility, acceptability and patient-oriented outcomes in a quality improvement project

CONTEXT

Pain of the coccyx, coccydynia, is a common condition with a substantial impact on the quality of life. Although most cases resolve with conservative care, 10 % become chronic and are more debilitating. Treatment for chronic coccydynia is limited; surgery is not definitive. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is the application of manually guided forces to areas of somatic dysfunction to improve physiologic function and support homeostasis including for coccydynia, but its use as a transrectal procedure for coccydynia in a primary care clinic setting is not well documented.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to conduct a quality improvement (QI) study to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical effects of transrectal OMT for chronic coccydynia in a primary care setting.

METHODS

This QI project prospectively treated and assessed 16 patients with chronic coccydynia in a primary care outpatient clinic. The intervention was transrectal OMT as typically practiced in our clinic, and included myofascial release and balanced ligamentous tension in combination with active patient movement of the head and neck. The outcome measures included: acceptance, as assessed by the response rate (yes/no) to utilize OMT for coccydynia; acceptability, as assessed by satisfaction with treatment; and coccygeal pain, as assessed by self-report on a 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS) for coccydynia while lying down, seated, standing, and walking.

RESULTS

Sixteen consecutive patients with coccydynia were offered and accepted OMT; six patients also received other procedural care. Ten patients (two males, eight females) received only OMT intervention for their coccydynia and were included in the per-protocol analysis. Posttreatment scores immediately after one procedure (acute model) and in follow-up were significantly improved compared with pretreatment scores. Follow-up pain scores provided by five of the 10 patients demonstrated significant improvement. The study supports transrectal OMT as a feasible and acceptable treatment option for coccydynia. Patients were satisfied with the procedure and reported improvement. There were no side effects or adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the use of transrectal OMT for chronic coccydynia is feasible and acceptable; self-reported improvement suggests utility in this clinic setting. Further evaluation in controlled studies is warranted.

Sacrococcygeal Morphologic and Morphometric Risk Factors for Idiopathic Coccydynia: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the sacrococcygeal morphologic and morphometric features in idiopathic coccydynia using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

MRI scans from 60 patients with idiopathic coccydynia were compared with scans of 60 controls. Assessment of coccygeal morphology included coccygeal segmentation, coccygeal types, bony spicules, sacrococcygeal joint fusion, and intercoccygeal joint fusion and subluxation. Morphometric parameters included coccygeal straight and curved lengths, coccygeal curvature index, sacrococcygeal and intercoccygeal joint angles, sacral straight and curved lengths, sacral curvature index, sacral angle, sacrococcygeal straight and curved lengths, sacrococcygeal curvature index, and sacrococcygeal angle.

RESULTS

The coccydynia group included 28 males and 32 females, with a mean age of 36.1 years. Type II coccyx and bony spicules were more common in coccydynia, P = 0.003 and 0.01, respectively. Sacrococcygeal joints were fused less commonly in coccydynia, P = 0.02. Intercoccygeal joint subluxation was more common in coccydynia, P = 0.007. The sacral angle was lower in coccydynia, P = 0.01. The sacrococcygeal curved length was higher in coccydynia, P < 0.001. The sacrococcygeal curvature index was lower coccydynia, P < 0.001. In females only, the coccygeal curvature index was lower in coccydynia patients, P = 0.04. In males only, the intercoccygeal angle was lower in coccydynia patients, P = 0.02.

CONCLUSIONS

Type II coccyx, bony spicules, intercoccygeal joint subluxation were more common, and sacrococcygeal joint fusion was less common in coccydynia patients. Sacral angle and sacrococcygeal curvature index were lower, while sacrococcygeal curved length was higher in coccydynia patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3. Case-control study.

Clinical Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Endometriosis Unresponsive to Conventional Therapy

Background: Although several treatments are currently available for chronic pelvic pain, 30–60% of patients do not respond to them. Therefore, these therapeutic options require a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying endometriosis-induced pain. This study focuses on pain management after failure of conventional therapy. Methods: We reviewed clinical data from 46 patients with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain unresponsive to conventional therapies at Puerta de Hierro University Hospital Madrid, Spain from 2018 to 2021. Demographic data, clinical and exploratory findings, treatment received, and outcomes were collected. Results: Median age was 41.5 years, and median pain intensity was VAS: 7.8/10. Nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain were identified in 98% and 70% of patients, respectively. The most common symptom was abdominal pain (78.2%) followed by pain with sexual intercourse (65.2%), rectal pain (52.1%), and urologic pain (36.9%). A total of 43% of patients responded to treatment with neuromodulators. Combined therapies for myofascial pain syndrome, as well as treatment of visceral pain with inferior or superior hypogastric plexus blocks, proved to be very beneficial. S3 pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) plus inferior hypogastric plexus block or botulinum toxin enabled us to prolong response time by more than 3.5 months. Conclusion: Treatment of the unresponsive patient should be interdisciplinary. Depending on the history and exploratory findings, therapy should preferably be combined with neuromodulators, myofascial pain therapies, and S3 PRF plus inferior hypogastric plexus blockade.

A novel radiological classification for displaced os coccyx: the Benditz-König classification

BACKGROUND

Treatment of coccygodynia is still a challenging entity. Clear surgical selection criteria are still lacking. The aim of the investigation was to establish a novel radiological classification for surgical decision-making in coccygodynia cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of standing and sitting X-rays of coccygodynia patients referred to a single centre from 2018 to 2020. The sacro-coccygeal angle (SCA), the intra-coccygeal angle (ICA) and the difference of the intervertebral disc height (∆IDH) were measured. All coccyges were distributed in subtypes and correlated with the patients' treatment.

RESULTS

In total, 138 patients (female/male: 103/35) with a mean age of 45.6 ± 15.4 years were included in the study. In total, 49 patients underwent coccygectomy. Four different subtypes of displaced coccyges were identified: Type I with a non-segmented coccyx, anterior pivot, increased SCA and ICA from standing to sitting, ∆IDH = 1.0 ± 1.5 mm. Type II with a multisegmented coccyx, anterior pivot, increased SCA and ICA standing/sitting, ∆IDH = 1.1 ± 1.6 mm. Type III showed a posterior pivoted coccyx, negative SCA and ICA, ∆IDH = 0.6 ± 1.6 mm. Type IV is characterized by an anterior-posterior dissociation of the tail bone with a positive SCA, and the ICA shifted from a posterior to an anterior orientation. ∆IDH was - 0.6 ± 1.8 mm.

CONCLUSION

The presented radiological classification could help to facilitate the surgical decision-making for patients with displaced os coccyx. In addition, lateral and sitting X-rays were easy to perform and did not need unnecessary ionizing radiation like in CT scans and were more cost-effective than MRI investigations. The subtypes III and especially IV were more likely leading to surgery.

The interdisciplinary management of coccydynia: A narrative review

Pain that develops in the coccyx or surrounding tissues is known as coccydynia, which occurs as a result of many etiologies both traumatic and nontraumatic. Although coccydynia most commonly affects middle-aged women, it may be found in both sexes and in all age groups. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the presentation, diagnostic imaging, and pathophysiology of coccydynia, and to comprehensively review the current treatment options. A review of publications from 1990 to 2020 using search words related to the treatment of coccydynia in PubMed and Google Scholar was completed. Level II evidence was found supporting stretching, manipulation, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy. There are no data from high-quality studies to support injection-based therapy including corticosteroids, prolotherapy, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation, although there are small retrospective and prospective observational studies suggesting benefit. Level III evidence was found supporting coccygectomy for chronic/refractory coccydynia. There are no data from randomized controlled trials to support the use of neuromodulation (sacral burst and dorsal root ganglion stimulation), although there are case reports suggesting benefit. High-level, comparative studies are lacking to guide the treatment of coccydynia and should be a focus for future research studies.

Sacrum magnetic resonance imaging for low back and tail bone pain: A quality initiative to evaluate and improve imaging utility

As quality and cost effectiveness become essential in clinical practice, an evidence-based evaluation of the utility of imaging orders becomes an important consideration for radiology’s value in patient care. We report an institutional quality improvement project including a retrospective review of utility of sacrum magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for low back pain at our institution over a four-year period and follow-up results after physician education intervention. Sacral MR imaging for low back pain and tailbone pain were only positive for major findings in 2/98 (2%) cases, and no major changes in patient management related to imaging findings occurred over this period, resulting in almost $500000 cost without significant patient benefit. We distributed these results to the Family Medicine department and clinics that frequently placed this order. An approximately 83% drop in ordering rate occurred over the ensuing 3 mo follow-up period. Sacrum MR imaging for low back pain and tail bone pain has not been a cost-effective diagnostic tool at our institution. Physician education was a useful tool in reducing overutilization of this study, with a remarkable drop in such studies after sharing these findings with primary care physicians at the institution. In conclusion, sacrum MR imaging rarely elucidates the cause of low back/tail pain diagnosed in a primary care setting and is even less likely to result in major changes in management. The practice can be adopted in other institutions for the benefit of their patients and improve cost efficiency.

Imaging Coccygeal Trauma and Coccydynia

The coccygeal region has complex anatomy, much of which may contribute to or be the cause of coccyx region pain (coccydynia). This anatomy is well depicted at imaging, and management is often dictated by what structures are involved. Coccydynia is a common condition that is known to be difficult to evaluate and treat. However, imaging can aid in determining potential causes of pain to help guide management. Commonly, coccydynia (coccygodynia) occurs after trauma and appears with normal imaging features at static neutral radiography, but dynamic imaging with standing and seated lateral radiography may reveal pathologic coccygeal motion that is predictive of pain. In addition, several findings seen at cross-sectional imaging in patients with coccydynia can point to a source of pain that may be subtle and easily overlooked. Radiology can also offer a role in management of coccygeal region pain with image-guided pain management procedures such as ganglion impar block. In addition to mechanical coccyx pain, a host of other conditions involving the sacrococcygeal region may cause coccydynia, which are well depicted at imaging. These include neoplasm, infection, crystal deposition, and cystic formations such as pilonidal cyst. The authors review a variety of coccydynia causes, their respective imaging features, and common management strategies.^©RSNA, 2020.

Complementary and Alternative (CAM) Treatment Options for Women with Pelvic pain

Purpose of review

I.To provide an overview of the current complementary and alternative (CAM) treatment options for women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP).

Recent findings

II.Recent studies on chronic pain at cellular, molecular and network level and their interaction with the immune system has unfolded several mechanisms for pain making it promising to explore the alternative paradigm to manage the incredibly complex chronic pelvic pain condition where multifactorial etiology often limits successful outcomes.

Summary

III.The multifactorial nature and complexity in establishing the underlying diagnosis in CPP limits predictable response to traditional medical and interventional options. Complementary and alternative options have been studied to improve outcomes. Incorporation of exercise-based CAM, pelvic floor physical therapy, acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy are suggested to show promising results but well powered randomized studies are needed to draw conclusions on their efficacy. Evidence for non-opioid alternatives such as oral cannabinoids are preliminary and may emerge to be safe and effective.

Coccydynia-A comprehensive review on etiology, radiological features and management options

Coccydynia is a disabling condition characterized by pain in the coccyx region of the spine. The first description of the disease was given in as early as 1859. Since then a number of theories have been proposed by various researchers to explain the pathogenesis of the disease. Treatment options for coccydynia include ergonomic adaptation, manual therapy, injections and surgery. Despite being identified as a disease as early as 18th century, several uncertainties with respect to the origin of pain, predisposing factors and treatment outcomes of a wide range of treatment options persist till date. The current narrative review presents various aspects of the disease including pathoanatomy, clinical presentation, radiological features and management options for the disease.

A Randomized Clinical Trial on the Effect of Biofeedback on Pain and Quality of Life of Patients With Chronic Coccydynia

Introduction

Pelvic floor muscles dysfunction is one of the most important etiologies of coccydynia; therefore, manual therapies have been proposed as the first line of treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of biofeedback as a new approach in the treatment of coccydynia.

Methods

Thirty women were randomized into two groups. Both groups were injected with the corticosteroid. One group received pelvic floor muscle exercises plus biofeedback while the other group only performed exercises. The patient's pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in the first visit and after 1, 2, and 6 months of follow-up as well as Dallas pain and SF-36 quality of life questionnaires before and 2 months after the treatment.

Results

Pain had improved significantly after 1, 2, and 6 months in both groups compared to the baseline. However, the amount of change was not different between the groups at any time interval. The results were the same for the Dallas pain scale and SF-36 quality of life questionnaire.

Conclusion

Adding biofeedback to pelvic floor muscle exercises did not lead to any further improvement in the management of chronic coccydynia. Further studies with larger sample sizes may reveal the effect of biofeedback more clearly.

Influence of psychiatric disorders and chronic pain on the surgical outcome in the patient with chronic coccydynia: a single institution's experience

OBJECTIVE

Performing coccygectomy procedures on patients with psychiatric disorders and/or chronic low back pain have been previously thought of as contributing factors leading to inconsistent and often poor results. To determine if these two variables affect the post-operative pain relief obtained after coccygectomy, an analysis of the opioid requirements and pain descriptions before and after surgery was undertaken in each patient studied.

METHODS

The hospital electronic medical records were searched, and only patients undergoing coccygectomy for chronic coccydynia were selected. A total of 8 patients were found. Each patient underwent a trial of conservative therapy prior to surgical evaluation.

RESULTS

The average duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 41.3 months. In 7 out of 8 patients, at least one psychiatric disorder was present. In 6 out of 8 patients, chronic low back pain was present. Pain control with opioid-based medicines was required in 5 out of 8 patients prior to surgery. Of those, 4 were able to discontinue or reduce the amount of opioid-based medicines consumed after surgery. The average follow-up was 9 months.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study indicate that patients with preexisting psychiatric disorders and/or chronic low back pain suffering from debilitating coccyx pain can obtain pain relief after coccygectomy as seen from a reduction in opioid requirements and pain burden. It should be noted that the obtained benefits from coccygectomy usually occur in a delayed fashion.

Effects of kinesiotaping and exercise program on patients with obesity-induced coccydynia: a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of kinesiotaping and a designed exercise program versus sham kinesiotaping and the same exercise program on pain, range of motion, and activities of daily living in obese patients suffering from coccydynia.

DESIGN

A double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial.

SETTING

Outpatient, Cairo University hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty patients with coccydynia randomized equally into kinesiotape plus exercise and sham kinesiotape plus exercise groups.

INTERVENTION

The kinesiotape was worn for three days and replaced for three weeks. Each patient practiced exercises for three weeks.

OUTCOME MEASURES

All patients were examined by visual analogue scale (VAS) for rating pain, Modified Modified Schober Test (MMST), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). All outcomes were measured at baseline, three weeks postintervention, and four weeks follow-up.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between groups at baseline (P < 0.05), but there were statistically significant differences between groups for pain score, MMST, and ODI at post and follow-up data in favor of the kinesiotape group (P < 0.001). For the three weeks postintervention, mean (SD) for pain score, MMST, and ODI was 33.07 ± 3.8, 6.6 ± 0.7, and 8.7 ± 2.1 in the study group and 39.9 ± 4.7, 5.8 ± 1.4, and 14.4 ± 2.7 in the control group, respectively. For the four weeks follow-up, mean (SD) for pain score, MMST, and ODI was 32.2 ± 3.4, 7.13 ± 0.6, and 7.2 ± 1.8 in the study group and 40.9 ± 4.4, 6.6 ± 0.75, and 13 ± 2 in the control group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Experimental kinesiotape intervention and exercise program provided significant improvements in pain, range of motion, and disability. It is suggested as an adjunctive therapy in treating obese patients with coccydynia.

Psychology of Chronic Pelvic Pain: Prevalence, Neurobiological Vulnerabilities, and Treatment

Patients with pelvic pain suffer from psychological conditions at a disproportionately high rate compared with their peers. We review environmental, genetic, inflammatory, and neurobiological factors that increase vulnerability to developing both of these conditions. We review treatment strategies for chronic pelvic pain in patients who have comorbid psychological conditions, including both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic options.

The role of nonpharmacologic therapies in management of chronic pelvic pain: what to do when surgery fails

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an update on nonsurgical and nonpharmacologic strategies for the management of chronic pelvic pain (CPP).

RECENT FINDINGS

Effective treatment of patients with CPP requires a multifaceted approach, with thoughtful consideration of surgical, pharmacologic, and nonpharmacologic strategies. Evidence for physical therapy and trigger point injections for treatment of myofascial components of CPP is increasing. Neuromodulation techniques, such as percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and transcutaneous electrical stimulation, have limited but favorable preliminary data in patients with CPP. Behavioral strategies, such as exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness, have demonstrated significant improvements in pain, function and quality of life in patients with a variety of chronic pain conditions and are promising avenues for future research in CPP.

SUMMARY

Nonpharmacologic therapies are important adjuncts to surgical and pharmacologic treatment for CPP and should be considered integral to a comprehensive treatment approach.

Surgery for Refractory Coccygodynia: Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term outcomes for patients with refractory coccygodynia treated with coccygectomy compared to a nonsurgical regimen of sitting aids, physical therapy, medications, and injections.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The surgical treatment of coccygodynia remains controversial. To date, there has only been one small comparative study of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2014, 109 patients presenting with coccygodynia were treated with either total coccygectomy or a nonsurgical course of sitting aids, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections. All had at least 2 years of symptoms before surgery. The patient principally made the treatment decision, counseled by the treating physician. Before surgery, all subjects underwent at least 2 years of conservative treatment and three-dimensional imaging (computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging). Subjects completed visual analog pain scales, EuroQol five-dimension, components of the PROMIS measure, and a novel Coccygodynia Disability Index evaluation. Work status, complications, and satisfaction were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients received nonsurgical care; eight declined participation and five could not be located. Forty-eight patients underwent total coccygectomy; three declined participation and five could not be located. At an average 4.8 years of follow-up (range: 2-9), the nonsurgical visual analog pain scales was 5 and the surgical 2 (P = 0.001); 79% of surgically treated patients were improved at 2 years versus 43% for the nonsurgical group. EuroQol five-dimension (P = 0.002), Coccygodynia Disability Index (0.01), and PROMIS Pain interference scores (0.02) were also significantly improved in the surgical group. Eleven surgical patients (26%) had complications, all wound related with successful resolution; seven treated with dressing changes and four with surgical debridement.

CONCLUSION

Total coccygectomy is a safe and effective surgical treatment of coccygodynia refractory to nonoperative care. Patient-reported outcome measures were improved after surgery compared with nonsurgical management. Postoperative wound care remains a concern.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.