Tailbone Pain with Swelling or Inflammation Without a Clear Cause: When MRI Is Appropriate

FAQ: Tailbone Pain with Swelling or Inflammation Without Clear Cause

What does swelling or inflammation around the tailbone suggest?

Swelling, tenderness, or a feeling of fullness around the tailbone can indicate inflammation of surrounding soft tissues, ligaments, joints, or bone. When this occurs without a clear injury or infection, further investigation is needed to determine the underlying cause.

Is swelling around the coccyx always serious?

Not always, but persistent or unexplained swelling should not be ignored. Inflammatory changes may be due to soft tissue injury, joint irritation, bursitis, occult trauma, or less common conditions affecting the sacrococcygeal region. Clinical examination alone may not reliably identify the source.

When should MRI be considered?

MRI should be considered if:

• Swelling persists despite rest or conservative treatment
• Pain is localised but unexplained
• Symptoms worsen over time
• There is no clear cause on examination or X-ray

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

Why is MRI important in cases of unexplained inflammation?

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 identify:

• Soft tissue inflammation
• Ligament or joint irritation
• Bone marrow changes
• Fluid collections or structural abnormalities

MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

Can this be treated without imaging?

Empirical treatment without imaging may temporarily reduce symptoms but risks missing the true cause. This can lead to prolonged discomfort, repeated treatments, and delayed recovery.

I’m concerned about MRI costs and waiting times.

Cost concerns are common, and many patients face delays in securing MRI appointments elsewhere. Prolonged waiting can worsen anxiety and delay effective care.

---

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

---

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.

---

Key Takeaway

Unexplained tailbone swelling or inflammation should be properly assessed rather than managed by guesswork. MRI provides clarity, reduces uncertainty, and supports appropriate treatment planning.

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