Steroid injections are working
P Singh, UK (London)
Posted 2023-10-15
The background to my case was that I went from weighing about 95 kg down to 73 kg, not through ill health just becoming healthier. Added to this I was slouching on the sofa/desk chair on the phone with poor posture. I then started one day getting a dull ache in my coccyx, I thought this may go away however it didn't. the pain was quite mild however as you may know its not easy to live with as we sit down a lot in our everyday lives. This pain affected my work life, social life and general mental health as I felt I could only lie down and not enjoy going to restaurants, social gatherings etc.
After 3 months I decided I need help to fix this. I initially tried normal chiropractic clinic, who advised on general stretches and glute strengthening. I did this for the next 3 months. But saw no improvement.
I then decided to change my approach and saw details on the web for Robert Griffiths at the pro performance clinic who mentioned he was an expert at coccyx pain (see Doctors and specialists in the UK, London). So, I went to see him. Rob was extremely friendly and professional, which helps given that coccyx pain does affect your mental health as mentioned. He saw my case as relatively mild with no dislocation of the joint and no major trauma to the coccyx. So then we agreed to tried internal manipulation with glute strengthening, we tried this for the next 2 months an saw no improvement, however my glute and hamstring strength improved which always is a positive. Due to the lack of improvement in the pain, he then said steroid injections would be worth a try. I was initially sceptical as I've heard negative things about them. However, I went with Robs advice given I had tried the physical therapy route already.
I had injections from Rohit Shetty at the Fortius Clinic (see Doctors and specialists in the UK, London). After the 1st injection the pain went down 50% the second one I had has decreased the pain by 80%. I'm planning to have a 3rd injection in Feb 2024.
I have also started stretching more regularly and continue to strengthen my glute max and Medius as well as leg strengthening.
My case was mild, however seeing Rob was a great experience as he really helped me understand the issue, get some internal manipulation and understand the severity of the case and the options available to me.
I personally don't think its worth going to a normal chiropractor or physio in most cases as this is a specialised subject and from my experience it wasn't very helpful.
Other changes I have made is using a donut pillow for driving and work, As well as currently looking into a coccyx cut out chair for work in replacement for using my donut cushion.
Note from Jon Miles:
I emailed more than a year after this story was posted, to ask for an update, as the long-term outcome of treatment is of great interest. In this case I did not get a reply.
