Suspected Ligament or Soft Tissue Injury Around the Coccyx: When MRI Is Appropriate

FAQ: Suspected Ligament or Soft Tissue Injury Around the Coccyx

What soft tissue structures are found around the coccyx?

The coccyx is stabilised by multiple ligaments, muscles, and connective tissues that support sitting, posture, and pelvic stability. Injury to these structures can occur from falls, prolonged sitting, childbirth, repetitive strain, or sudden movements, even without a clear traumatic event.

Can ligament or soft tissue injuries cause significant tailbone pain?

Yes. Ligament strain, partial tears, or chronic inflammation around the coccyx can produce persistent pain, especially when sitting, leaning back, or transitioning from sitting to standing. These injuries often do not appear on X-rays.

When should MRI be considered?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Tailbone pain persists despite rest and conservative care
  • Pain is mechanical and worsens with sitting or movement
  • X-rays are normal but symptoms continue
  • There is suspicion of ligament or soft tissue injury

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

Why is MRI important for soft tissue assessment?

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 assess:

  • Ligament integrity around the coccyx
  • Soft tissue inflammation or tears
  • Joint instability at the sacrococcygeal junction
  • Chronic changes contributing to ongoing pain

MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

Can soft tissue injuries heal without imaging?

Some mild injuries may improve over time. However, persistent pain without imaging often leads to repeated ineffective treatments and delayed recovery, especially when the underlying injury remains unidentified.

I’m concerned about MRI cost and appointment delays.

Cost concerns are common, and many patients face delays securing MRI appointments elsewhere. These delays can prolong symptoms and uncertainty.

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

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 terms.

Key Takeaway

Ligament and soft tissue injuries around the coccyx are a common but under-recognised cause of persistent tailbone pain. MRI provides the clarity needed to guide appropriate care and reduce unnecessary trial-and-error treatment.

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

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