Nerve stimulation for treatment of coccydynia

There are three types of nerve stimulation that can be used to reduce coccyx pain. They all use low current electrical pulses to alter the sensation of pain, temporarily or permanently. They have also been shown to have effects beyond the nervous system, such as reducing inflammation.

1. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) uses electrically conducting pads on the skin over the painful part. It is applied for periods up to an hour, but the effect can last longer. Anyone can use it, many devices are available. More information on TENS here

2. PNS (Peripheral Nerve Stimulation) uses a thin wire which is inserted through the skin to near a nerve that is causing pain. The wire is attached to a small unit stuck to the skin that generates the electrical pulses, and is left in place for 60 days. It can only be applied by a doctor. More information on PNS here

3. Spinal Cord Stimulators are surgically implanted in the wall of the lower abdomen, and connected by wire to a strip of electrodes placed next to the back of the spinal cord, to apply the stimulation to a specific part of the spinal cord. More information on Spinal Cord Stimulators here

Updated 2024-12-10