A coccygeal or ganglion impar block is an image-guided injection used to treat pain in the tailbone (coccyx) and surrounding area. It targets a small nerve structure known as the ganglion impar, which transmits pain signals from the coccyx, rectum, and perineum.
The ganglion impar is a small nerve cluster located at the front of the coccyx, where nerves from both sides of the pelvis converge. It plays a key role in transmitting pain from the coccyx and nearby pelvic structures.
When this nerve becomes sensitised â often due to injury, inflammation, or chronic irritation â it can result in persistent tailbone pain (coccydynia), particularly when sitting. During the procedure, your consultant uses X-ray or ultrasound guidance to place a fine needle through the sacrococcygeal ligament and deliver a mixture of local anaesthetic and steroid near the ganglion impar. This helps to block pain signals and reduce inflammation in the area.
This is a brief outpatient procedure, usually lasting 15â30 minutes. Youâll lie on your stomach or side while the area is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic. Using live imaging, your consultant carefully advances a needle to the front of the coccyx and delivers the medication near the ganglion impar. Sedation is usually offered.
The procedure is generally well tolerated. You may experience temporary numbness or discomfort in the pelvic area, which usually settles quickly. Most people go home the same day.
At Wessex Pain Clinic we find that the best results come from combining medical treatments with active rehabilitation. Procedures are often most effective when paired with physiotherapy, movement-based exercise, and â where appropriate â psychological support. This comprehensive approach addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of pain and supports longer-term improvement.
Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Your consultant will discuss whether this procedure is appropriate for you.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.
Driving advice: You should not drive that day if receiving any sedation. Our procedures do vary on whether they are possible to drive home from yourself, please seek advice from your consultant about driving advice. If you are seeing us for an injection and planning on driving, please check with us beforehand about whether it will be possible to drive yourself home afterwards.
Wessex Pain Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes Consultant Pain Specialists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists, offering evidence-based interventions alongside rehabilitation and self-management support. We welcome patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex, including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Chichester â with both in-clinic appointments and remote consultations available across the wider Wessex region.
Our friendly team is on hand to support you every step of the way. Please get in touch at any time.
