MRI Before Injections or Procedures for Tailbone Conditions: Why Accurate Imaging Matters

FAQ: Pre-Injection or Pre-Procedure Planning for Tailbone Conditions

Why is imaging important before injections or procedures?

Injections and procedures around the tailbone are highly targeted treatments. Without knowing the exact source of pain, treatment may be delivered to the wrong structure, resulting in limited or temporary relief.

Accurate imaging helps ensure that any planned intervention is based on clear anatomical findings rather than assumptions.

What types of procedures commonly involve the tailbone?

Procedures may include:

• Localised injections for pain relief
• Image-guided interventions
• Minimally invasive treatments around the sacrococcygeal region

Before any of these, understanding the precise cause of pain is essential.

When should MRI be considered before a procedure?

MRI should be considered if:

• An injection or procedure is being planned
• Previous treatments have failed
• Pain location is unclear or multifactorial
• X-rays do not explain ongoing symptoms

Based on modern medical technology and current standard of care, MRI should be considered in this scenario.

Why is MRI preferred over clinical assessment alone?

MRI is one of the most accurate imaging modalities currently available.
Without accurate imaging, no doctor—regardless of experience—can reliably make a precise diagnosis.
Without accurate diagnosis, treatment plans become generic, presumptive, and often fail.
Many failed treatments are due to trial-and-error care without imaging.

MRI allows doctors to:

• Identify the exact pain generator
• Differentiate bone, joint, ligament, and soft tissue causes
• Reduce the risk of ineffective or misplaced interventions

MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

Can procedures be done safely without MRI?

Some procedures are performed empirically, but this increases the risk of limited benefit and repeat interventions. Proper imaging improves precision and helps set realistic expectations.

I’m concerned about MRI costs and delays.

Cost concerns and long waiting times are common. However, ineffective procedures and repeated treatments often cost more than obtaining accurate imaging early.

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Why Consider MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic?

The Pain Relief Clinic is centrally located at 350 Orchard Road, Shaw House, just a 5-minute walk from Orchard MRT, with convenient parking and immediately outside ERP.

Patients benefit from:

• MRI machine on-site
• Doctor can assess and directly arrange MRI immediately
• No need to visit a separate imaging centre
• No need to find another doctor just for an MRI referral
• Doctor has been helping patients with spine and joint problems since 2007 (18 years)
• Focus on non-invasive, technology-powered treatments

MRI arrangements aim to be:

• Under $1000
• Within 1 working day

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Can Insurance or Medisave Help Cover MRI Costs?

MRI scans may be covered by:

• Personal accident insurance
• Travel insurance
• Company insurance
• Company flexi-benefits
• Hospitalisation plans (policy-dependent)
• Medisave

Medisave limits:

• Current: $300
• From 1 Jan 2026: $600

Medisave can potentially cover more than half the MRI cost, depending on policy eligibility.

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Key Takeaway

Before proceeding with injections or procedures for tailbone pain, accurate imaging is critical. MRI reduces guesswork, improves targeting, and helps avoid repeated or ineffective treatments.

For more information or to arrange an MRI scan, contact The Pain Relief Clinic via WhatsApp at +65 9068 9605.