Post-Surgical or Post-Procedure Tailbone Pain: When MRI Should Be Considered

FAQ: Post-Surgical or Post-Procedure Tailbone Pain

Is tailbone pain normal after surgery or medical procedures?

Some discomfort may occur after procedures involving the lower spine, pelvis, or surrounding structures. However, tailbone pain that persists, worsens, or behaves differently from expected recovery patterns should be properly evaluated.

What procedures can be associated with post-procedure tailbone pain?

Tailbone pain may develop after:

• Spine or pelvic procedures
• Injections around the lower spine or sacrum
• Surgical positioning requiring prolonged pressure on the coccyx
• Previous interventions near the sacrococcygeal region

In some cases, pain may appear weeks after the procedure rather than immediately.

When should MRI be considered after a procedure?

MRI should be considered if:

• Pain persists beyond the expected recovery period
• Symptoms worsen instead of improving
• Sitting remains painful or increasingly uncomfortable
• There is concern about soft tissue, joint, or bone-related causes

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

Why is MRI important in post-procedure tailbone pain?

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 can help identify:

• Post-procedural inflammation
• Soft tissue or ligament injury
• Bone marrow changes
• Structural issues contributing to persistent pain

MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

Can post-procedure pain be treated without imaging?

Empirical treatment may temporarily reduce discomfort, but persistent symptoms without imaging increase the risk of prolonged pain, repeated interventions, and delayed recovery.

I’m concerned about MRI cost and delays.

Cost concerns and long waiting times are common barriers. Delayed imaging can lead to unnecessary uncertainty and prolonged symptoms.

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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, 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 eligibility and policy structure.

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Key Takeaway

Persistent or worsening tailbone pain after surgery or procedures should not be assumed to be part of normal recovery. MRI provides clarity, reduces guesswork, and supports appropriate post-procedure care.

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