Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Coccygodynia

Abstract

Coccygodynia, characterized by persistent pain in the coccyx area, is a debilitating condition with limited effective treatments. We report a case exploring the use of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) as a noninvasive treatment for chronic refractory coccygodynia. A 39-year-old female patient presented with chronic coccygeal pain unresponsive to conventional therapies. A thorough review of the patient’s medical history, clinical presentation, and imaging findings led to a diagnosis of idiopathic coccygodynia. Given her clinical situation and the failure of previous interventions, radial ESWT was considered a possible option due to its noninvasive nature and reported success in treating other chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Significant pain reduction and improved quality of life were observed 3 months post-treatment, as confirmed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Pain Self Efficacy Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores. The beneficial effects were confirmed even at 12 months post-treatment follow-up, suggesting radial ESWT is a promising alternative therapeutic option. The positive outcomes in this case (though the evident limits of a case report) provide a foundation for considering radial ESWT in the broader context of managing chronic treatment-resistant coccygeal pain.