Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Coccygodynia.
Michele Venosa, Andrea Vespasiani, Emilio Romanini, Monica Nigri, Andrea Fidanza, Giandomenico Logroscino
Abstract
Open AccessCoccygodynia, 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.