Neuromodulation Techniques in Chronic Refractory Coccydynia: A Narrative Review

Refractory coccydynia is a condition characterized by severe coccygeal pain and poses a challenging management dilemma for clinicians. Advancements in neuromodulation (NM) technology have provided benefits to people experiencing chronic pain that is resistant to standard treatments. This review aims to summarize the spectrum of current NM techniques employed in the treatment of refractory coccydynia along with their effectiveness. A review of studies in the scientific literature from 2012 to 2023 was conducted, revealing a limited number of case reports. Although the available evidence at this time suggests significant pain relief with the utilization of NM techniques, the limited scope and nature of the studies reviewed emphasize the need for large-scale, rigorous, high-level research in this domain in order to establish a comprehensive understanding of the role of NM and its effectiveness in the management of intractable coccydynia.

[The use of surgical neuromodulation to treat chronic pelvic pain]

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a pain syndrome that is very difficult to treat. The effectiveness of CPP treatment remains low despite the use of integrated approaches. That is why it is necessary to search for new treatment approaches and methods. Surgical neuromodulation has recently been used increasingly often to treat CPP.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of different types of neurostimulation in patients with chronic pelvic pain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients were treated at the N.N. Burdenko National Scientific and Practical Center for Neurosurgery. All the patients were diagnosed with CPP and transferred to the Center because of unsatisfactory results of earlier treatment. The mean duration of pain was 8.6 years (range: 1-31 years). Pain intensity and the neuropathic component of the pain syndrome were assessed using the conventional scales and questionnaires (VAS, LANSS, Pain Detect, and DN4). The levels of anxiety, depression, and catastrophic pain were also assessed. The effect of pain on quality of life was evaluated using the modified Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). All the selected patients underwent trial lead implantation at the first stage. Sacral root stimulation was used in 15 patients (unilateral one in 8 patients and bilateral one in 7 patients); three patients underwent spinal cord stimulation; 14 patients were treated with combined neurostimulation.

RESULTS

In 27 (84.37%) patients, the trial period was regarded as positive and the systems were implanted for chronic neurostimulation. After one year of stimulation, the mean VAS score for pain intensity was 3.53 (compared to 8.61 before the surgery). Regarding quality of life, the most significant effects of treatment were as follows: the number of pain paroxysms was reduced; physical self-maintenance, social life, sleep, and sexual activity were improved; and daily physical activity was increased.

CONCLUSION

. Neurostimulation ensures a stable pain relief and improves quality of life in patients with chronic pelvic pain refractory to conservative treatment.