Sacral or Tailbone Pain Not Improving After Conservative Treatment: When an MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is considered conservative treatment for sacral or tailbone pain?

Conservative treatment for sacral or tailbone (coccygeal) pain usually includes:

  • Rest and avoidance of prolonged sitting
  • Use of cushions or seating modifications
  • Physiotherapy or pelvic floor therapy
  • Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication

Many mild cases improve within a few weeks with these measures.

When is sacral or tailbone pain considered persistent?

Pain is considered persistent when:

  • Symptoms last longer than 4–6 weeks despite treatment
  • Pain interferes with sitting, standing, or daily activities
  • Pain recurs repeatedly after temporary improvement

Persistent pain suggests the underlying cause may not have been clearly identified.

Why does tailbone or sacral pain sometimes fail to improve?

Ongoing pain may be due to:

  • Sacral stress injury or bone marrow changes
  • Coccygeal fracture or instability not seen on X-ray
  • Inflammation of sacrococcygeal joints
  • Soft tissue or ligament injury around the coccyx
  • Referred pain from deeper pelvic or spinal structures

Without accurate diagnosis, treatment often becomes trial-and-error.

Why is MRI important when sacral or tailbone pain does not improve?

Core Medical Principles

  • 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.
  • Based on modern medical technology and current standard of care, MRI should be considered when sacral or tailbone pain does not improve after conservative treatment.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI allows detailed assessment of the sacrum, coccyx, adjacent joints, bone marrow, and surrounding soft tissues.

Why are examination and X-rays often insufficient?

X-rays may detect obvious fractures or alignment issues but cannot:

  • Identify bone marrow oedema or stress injury
  • Visualise soft tissue or ligament pathology
  • Detect subtle inflammation around sacrococcygeal joints

Clinical examination alone cannot reliably determine the internal cause of persistent pain.

What happens if MRI is delayed?

Delaying MRI may result in:

  • Prolonged pain and sitting intolerance
  • Repeated ineffective treatments
  • Delayed return to work or normal daily activities

Early imaging often shortens the diagnostic pathway and guides more targeted care.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange?

Addressing Patient Objections

  • Cost concerns: MRI costs may be partially offset by Medisave or insurance.
  • Delay elsewhere: Many imaging centres require referrals and have long waiting times.

These factors commonly delay accurate diagnosis.

Why arrange your sacral or tailbone MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic?

Clinic Positioning

The Pain Relief Clinic is:

  • Centrally located at 350 Orchard Road, Shaw House
  • A 5-minute walk from Orchard MRT
  • Equipped with convenient parking
  • Located immediately outside ERP

Key advantages:

  • MRI machine on-site
  • Doctor assessment with immediate MRI arrangement
  • No need to:
    • Visit a separate imaging centre
    • Find another doctor just for an MRI referral
  • The doctor has been helping patients with spine and joint-related problems since 2007 (18 years)
  • Focus on non-invasive, technology-powered treatments

MRI aims:

  • Under $1000
  • Within 1 working day

Can insurance or Medisave help cover sacral or tailbone MRI costs?

Insurance & Cost Information

MRI scans may be covered by:

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

Medisave limits:

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

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

When should I seriously consider an MRI for sacral or tailbone pain?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Tailbone or sacral pain persists despite appropriate treatment
  • Pain significantly affects sitting or daily function
  • The cause remains unclear after initial assessment

MRI helps move care from assumption-based management to precise, evidence-based diagnosis.

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

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