Abstract
Coccydynia is pain in the coccygeal region, and usually treated conservatively. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) was incorporated as non-invasive treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions. However, the effects of ESWT on coccydynia are less discussed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of ESWT on the outcomes of coccydynia. Patients were allocated to ESWT (n = 20) or physical modality (SIT) group (n = 21) randomly, and received total treatment duration of 4 weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and self-reported satisfaction score were used to assess treatment effects. The VAS and ODI scores were significantly decreased after treatment in both groups, and the decrease in the VAS score was significantly greater in the ESWT group. The mean proportional changes in the ODI scores were greater in the ESWT group than in the SIT group, but the between-group difference was not statistically significant. The patients in the ESWT group had significantly higher subjective satisfaction scores than SIT group. We concluded that ESWT is more effective and satisfactory in reducing discomfort and disability caused by coccydynia than the use of physical modalities. Thus, ESWT is recommended as an alternative treatment option for patients with coccydynia.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02313324
Highlights
Coccydynia is pain around the coccygeal region that may be caused by sudden impact over the coccyx area from falls or traumatic injuries, resulting in pain and inflammatory changes of the surrounding ligaments and muscles [1]
Calculating the proportional change in the visual analog scale (VAS) score following the formula below, we found that the mean changes at the 5th week assessment and 8th week assessment were greater in the Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) group (-49.19% to -66.13%) than in the SWD combined with IFC therapy (SIT) group (-26.77% to -34.66%)
Calculating the proportional change in the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score following the formula below, we found that the mean changes at the 5th week assessment and 8th week assessment were greater in the ESWT group
Summary
Coccydynia is pain around the coccygeal region that may be caused by sudden impact over the coccyx area from falls or traumatic injuries, resulting in pain and inflammatory changes of the surrounding ligaments and muscles [1]. Pain in these conditions is associated with coccygeal instability or subluxation, and patients develop subsequent coccydynia [2]. SWD can be effective for the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain [16] and was reported to reduce pain in patients with coccydynia [17]. Combined with other physical modalities, IFC showed better outcomes in reducing the pain intensity associated with musculoskeletal disorders [10]
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