MRI studies of the tailbone show lots of details of the anatomy of the coccyx region.
But the doctor needs to know which images to look at for the different types of details that can be seen.
- T-1 images are best for looking at bony structures like the actual bones of the tailbone (coccyx).
- T-2 images are not as good as T-1 images at showing details of the bones.
- But T2 images are better than T1 images at detecting inflammation.
- Inflammation is important to look for, since this can be a sign of joint arthritis, joint dislocations, bone fractures, bone infections, and other abnormalities.
- “STIR” images also show inflammation (similar to T2 images).
To come to Dr. Foye’s Tailbone Pain Center:
- Get expert medical care for your tailbone pain. Here’s what you need know: https://tailbonedoctor.com/prepare-for-your-visit/
Tailbone Pain Book:
To get your copy of Dr. Foye’s book, “Tailbone Pain Relief Now!” click on this link: www.TailbonePainBook.com
Book: “Tailbone Pain Relief Now! Causes and Treatments for Your Sore or Injured Coccyx” by Patrick Foye, M.D.
Founder and Director at Tailbone Pain Center
Dr. Foye is an expert at treating tailbone pain (coccyx pain).
His personable, private-practice office is located on a modern, renowned, academic medical school campus, at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
For an appointment, call 973-972-2802.
https://tailbonedoctor.com/
His personable, private-practice office is located on a modern, renowned, academic medical school campus, at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
For an appointment, call 973-972-2802.
https://tailbonedoctor.com/
Latest posts by Patrick Foye, M.D. (see all)
- Coccygectomy: Expected Recovery and Return to Work after surgery for coccyx pain, tailbone pain. - November 28, 2023
- PRP Platelet Rich Plasma or Prolotherapy for Tailbone Pain, Coccyx Pain - October 25, 2023
- Reasons for Normal X-rays and MRI Despite Tailbone Pain, Coccyx Pain - October 3, 2023
Thank you for this website. My question is: as a patient, is there a way I can ask the staff to take the most appropriate images?
(I have had other injuries, and I later found that less helpful images were taken. E.g. a standing x-ray might be ideal, and that didn’t happen. So I’m worried that the same will happen in this case. I’ve just injured my coccyx after a blunt trauma. No images were taken at the hospital, because of concern around irradiating my ovaries. If the pain continues in a week, I’m to go back to get images and different pain medication. I’d like the images to be the right ones and don’t know if or how I can ask for that.)
(Followup: I am not in the US.)
Hi, Kaylie. Thank you for your question.
I am very sorry to hear about your tailbone pain.
Have you already read my book on tailbone pain? (available on Amazon at: Link: http://amzn.com/0996453504 )
There is an entire chapter of the book all about the best tests to get for tailbone pain, discussing x-rays, MRI, CT scans, bone scans, etc.
Typically the best initial test to check for unstable joints at the tailbone is to have xrays done while the person with tailbone pain is sitting. See:
https://tailbonedoctor.com/tailbone-mri-ct-x-rays-sitting-versus-lying-down/