Is A Cortisone Shot In The Coccyx Advisable?

Posted on Wed, 16 Nov 2016

Question: I am getting a cortisone shot in my coccyx soon. Xrays indicate a displaced fracture that occurred 50 plus years ago. Bicycle riding has aggravated it. As always, sitting for long periods causes pain. What are the dangers and advantages of this injection? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
decreased pain and inflammation

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Injection of a steroid or steroid plus local anesthetic is the next step in pain management.
If a local anesthetic is given with the steroid there should be immediate relief of pain, the anesthetic would wear off and pain would return in a few hours. The steroid can sometimes take a few days to kick in.

In most , it is very safe procedure. The cons are pain at the injection site with a risk of bleeding and infection (risks with any injection).
Other possible cons are weight gain , water retention and a possible increase in blood sugar level.
These would depend on the dose of steroid used.

The advantages are decreased inflammation and pain.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar