Sacrococcygeal Joint Block Melbourne

What are Sacrococcygeal Joint Blocks?

A sacrococcygeal joint block is a medical procedure performed to alleviate pain originating from the sacrococcygeal region, which encompasses the sacrum and coccyx (tailbone). 

This type of block involves injecting a local anaesthetic, often combined with a steroid medication, into the joint into the sacrococcygeal area. By doing so, the block aims to temporarily interrupt the transmission of pain signals from these nerves, providing relief to individuals experiencing discomfort in the lower back, buttocks, upper legs, or other related areas.

The procedure is often utilised as a diagnostic technique to identify the specific source of pain in the sacrococcygeal region and may also serve as a therapeutic intervention for managing chronic pain in this area.

How Do Sacrococcygeal Joint Blocks Alleviate Chronic Pain?

Sacrococcygeal joint blocks are administered to alleviate chronic pain by targeting the nerves around the sacrococcygeal joint, which is the joint connecting the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the coccyx (commonly known as the tailbone). 

These blocks involve the injection of a local anaesthetic and often a steroid medication into the joint itself and the area surrounding the joint.

Here’s how sacrococcygeal joint blocks work to alleviate chronic pain in the lower back and spine:

• Interrupting Pain Signals. The local anaesthetic injected during the procedure temporarily blocks the transmission of pain signals from the nerves around the sacrococcygeal joint to the brain. By inhibiting the pain signals, the sensation of pain is reduced or eliminated.
• Reducing Inflammation. Steroid medications, commonly administered alongside the local anaesthetic, help reduce inflammation in the affected area. Chronic pain often results from inflammation around the sacrococcygeal joint due to conditions such as arthritis, injury, or degenerative changes. By reducing inflammation, steroid medication can help alleviate your pain and discomfort.
• Diagnostic Tool. Sacrococcygeal joint blocks also serve as a diagnostic tool to determine the source of chronic pain. If the injection provides significant pain relief, it indicates that the sacrococcygeal joint is likely the source of your pain. This information helps doctors accurately diagnose the underlying cause of the pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
• Therapeutic Intervention. In addition to providing diagnostic information, sacrococcygeal joint blocks can also offer therapeutic benefits for managing chronic pain in the sacrococcygeal region. The temporary relief provided by the injection allows you to engage in physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, or other treatments aimed at addressing the underlying cause of their pain.

Overall, sacrococcygeal joint blocks offer a minimally invasive and effective approach to alleviate chronic pain in the lower back, buttocks, and tailbone region by interrupting pain signals, reducing inflammation, and aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Why Would You Get Sacrococcygeal Joint Blocks for Chronic Pain?

Sacrococcygeal joint blocks may be recommended for chronic pain in the sacrococcygeal (lower back and tailbone) region for several reasons:

• Diagnostic Purposes. Sacrococcygeal joint blocks serve as a diagnostic tool to identify the specific source of chronic pain. If you experience significant pain relief following the injection, it suggests that the sacrococcygeal joint is likely the origin of your discomfort. This diagnostic information helps doctors accurately diagnose the underlying cause of the pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.
• Chronic Pain Management. If you are suffering from chronic pain in the sacrococcygeal region, often due to conditions such as arthritis, injury, or degenerative changes, you may benefit from sacrococcygeal joint blocks as part of your pain management regimen. By providing temporary pain relief and reducing inflammation, these injections can improve your quality of life and ability to engage in daily activities.
• Conservative Treatment Option. Sacrococcygeal joint blocks offer a minimally invasive and conservative treatment option for managing chronic pain in the lower back, buttocks, and tailbone region. Compared to more invasive procedures or surgeries, joint blocks carry fewer risks and typically have a quicker recovery time.
• Alternative to Surgery. In some cases, sacrococcygeal joint blocks may be recommended as an alternative to surgery for patients with chronic pain in the sacrococcygeal region. By providing temporary relief and aiding in the diagnosis of the underlying cause of the pain, these injections can help physicians determine whether surgical intervention is necessary.
• Support Rehabilitation. Sacrococcygeal joint blocks can also serve as an adjunct to rehabilitation therapies, such as physical therapy or chiropractic care. By temporarily relieving pain and inflammation, these injections can facilitate rehabilitation exercises and therapies aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and function in the affected area.

Overall, sacrococcygeal joint blocks may be recommended for chronic pain in the lower spine or tailbone region to help with diagnosis, provide pain relief, and enhance your ability to participate in rehabilitation and daily activities. It is essential to consult with your doctor to determine if this treatment method is suitable for your specific condition and medical history.

Risks of Sacrococcygeal Joint Blocks

While sacrococcygeal joint blocks are generally considered safe, like any medical procedure, they do carry some potential risks and complications. It is essential for individuals considering this treatment to discuss these risks with their doctors beforehand.

 Some potential risks of sacrococcygeal joint blocks include:

• Injection Site Reaction. Some individuals may experience temporary discomfort, bruising, or swelling at the injection site. This is usually mild and resolves on its own within a few days.
• Infection. As with any injection procedure, there is a risk of infection at the injection site. Doctors take precautions to minimise this risk, such as using sterile techniques and sterilising equipment. However, infection is still a possibility, albeit rare.
• Nerve Damage. While uncommon, there is a risk of nerve damage associated with sacrococcygeal joint blocks. Damage to nearby nerves could lead to sensory changes, weakness, or other neurological symptoms. Physicians typically use imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to help ensure accurate needle placement and minimise the risk of nerve injury.
• Bleeding. In rare cases, sacrococcygeal joint blocks may cause bleeding at the injection site or within the joint. This risk is higher in individuals taking blood-thinning medications or those with bleeding disorders.
• Allergic Reaction. Although rare, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the medications used during the procedure, such as the local anaesthetic or steroid medication. Signs of an allergic reaction may include hives, itching, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Immediate medical attention is necessary if an allergic reaction occurs.
• Temporary Increase in Pain. It is possible for individuals to experience a temporary increase in pain following the sacrococcygeal joint block. This is typically due to the initial irritation caused by the injection and should resolve within a few days.
• No Improvement in Symptoms. While sacrococcygeal joint blocks are often effective in providing pain relief and aiding in diagnosis, they may not always alleviate symptoms entirely. Some individuals may not experience significant improvement in their pain following the procedure.

It is essential to discuss any concerns or questions about sacrococcygeal joint blocks or any other treatment method with your doctor By thoroughly evaluating the potential risks and benefits, you can make informed decisions about whether this treatment option is appropriate for your specific situation.

The Process of Getting Sacrococcygeal Joint Blocks

The process of getting sacrococcygeal joint blocks involves several steps, including preparation, the procedure itself, and post-procedure care. 

Here’s an overview of what to expect during the procedure itself:

1. Positioning. You’ll be asked to lie down on an examination table, typically on your stomach or side, to provide access to the sacrococcygeal joint. This procedure may be performed under sedation anaesthesia in a hospital setting.
2. Anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia may be applied to the skin at the injection site to numb the area and minimise discomfort during the procedure.
3. Injection. Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray guidance) or ultrasound for guidance, your healthcare provider will insert a thin needle into the sacrococcygeal joint and inject a combination of local anaesthetic and steroid medication.
4. Monitoring. Throughout the procedure, your vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, may be monitored to ensure your safety.

It is essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully both before and after the procedure to optimise the outcomes and minimise the risk of complications. If you have any concerns or questions at any stage of the process, don’t hesitate to discuss them with Dr Meena Mittal and the Persistent Pain Solutions team.

Preparing for Getting a Sacrococcygeal Joint Block

Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history and symptoms to determine if sacrococcygeal joint blocks are an appropriate treatment option for you.

Before the procedure, your doctor will explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives to sacrococcygeal joint blocks. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and provide informed consent. 

Your pain specialist team will ask about any medications you’re currently taking, especially blood thinners, as they may need to be temporarily stopped before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding. You also should tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any antibiotics or if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator.

You may be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking for a certain period before the procedure, typically several hours, to reduce the risk of complications related to anaesthesia.

Note that you will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure due to the sedation involved, so please arrange for transportation in advance.

After Getting Sacrococcygeal Joint Blocks (Follow-Up)

After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a short period in the recovery area to ensure there are no immediate complications.

You may be advised to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a short period following the procedure to allow the medication to take effect and minimise the risk of complications.

You may experience some soreness or discomfort at the injection site following the procedure. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or apply ice to the area to help manage any discomfort. They will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your response to the sacrococcygeal joint blocks and determine the next steps in your treatment plan.

Finding a Doctor Who Performs Sacrococcygeal Joint Blocks Near You

If you are suffering from chronic back pain or tailbone pain, then a pain specialist in Melbourne who can perform a sacrococcygeal joint block may be able to provide some short term relief that can help your doctor diagnose and treat your spinal pain, leading to a long-lasting pain reduction. 

Ask your general practitioner for a referral to a pain management physician who offers sacrococcygeal joint block injections or similar procedures for spine and lower back pain. You can also research pain specialist clinics online or speak to family members, friends, or support groups (both online and in real life) for recommendations from those who have dealt with similar painful back issues or other chronic pain problems. 

Sacrococcygeal Joint Blocks at Persistent Pain Solutions

Persistent Pain Solutions provides sacrococcygeal joint block injections. This is a procedure designed to alleviate chronic lower back and spinal pain that targets the sacrococcygeal joint in the lower back and tailbone. 

Sacrococcygeal joint blocks can alleviate some lower back pain and enable you to effectively engage in rehabilitation and physical therapy, leading to more positive outcomes.