Coccyx MRI Scan: Complete Guide

A coccyx MRI scan is a targeted imaging study of the coccyx (tailbone) — the small, triangular bone at the very base of the spine. MRI is the best imaging modality for evaluating coccyx pain (coccydynia) because it can visualise not only the bone but also the surrounding soft tissues, ligaments, and any masses that may be causing symptoms. This guide explains what to expect from a coccyx MRI in the UK.

What a Coccyx MRI Scan Shows

Coccyx MRI provides detailed images of the tailbone and surrounding area. It can detect:

• Coccyx fractures — both acute fractures (from falls) and chronic non-union fractures
• Coccygeal dislocation — subluxation at the sacrococcygeal or intercoccygeal joints
• Bone marrow oedema — indicating stress reaction or recent injury
• Pilonidal cyst or abscess — common in young adults, located in the natal cleft
• Chordoma — a rare, slow-growing tumour arising from embryological remnants in the sacrum/coccyx
• Tarlov (perineural) cysts — fluid-filled sacs on the sacral nerve roots
• Referred pathology — rectal tumours, presacral masses, or gynaecological conditions that can mimic coccyx pain
• Degenerative changes — arthritis of the sacrococcygeal joint
• Soft-tissue abnormalities — masses, abscesses, or inflammatory changes around the coccyx

When You Might Need a Coccyx MRI Scan

A coccyx MRI may be appropriate if you have:

• Persistent tailbone pain (coccydynia) lasting more than 8 weeks
• Pain when sitting, especially on hard surfaces
• Pain that worsens when standing up from a seated position
• A history of a fall onto the tailbone with ongoing symptoms
• A palpable lump near the coccyx
• Coccyx pain that hasn't responded to cushions, physiotherapy, or injections
• Pain radiating into the buttocks or legs from the tailbone area
• Recurrent pilonidal disease requiring surgical planning

How to Prepare for a Coccyx MRI

• No fasting required: Eat and drink normally
• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes without metal. Remove belt buckles and items in back pockets
• Metal: Remove all jewellery and piercings in the lower body area
• Contrast: Coccyx MRI may or may not require contrast, depending on the clinical question. If a mass or abscess is suspected, contrast will likely be used
• Comfort: If sitting is painful, the good news is that MRI is performed lying down

What to Expect During the Scan

A coccyx MRI typically takes 20–30 minutes:

1. Positioning: You'll lie on your back on the MRI table. A coil is placed over the pelvic area
2. Stillness: Keep as still as possible — the coccyx is a small structure, so any movement can blur the images
3. Sequences: Thin-slice images in sagittal, axial, and coronal planes are acquired
4. Contrast: If needed, gadolinium is injected through a cannula partway through the scan
5. Noise: Standard MRI sounds — ear protection is provided
6. Completion: You can leave immediately after

Coccyx MRI Scan Cost in the UK

A private coccyx MRI in the UK typically costs between £300 and £600. Costs vary depending on location and whether contrast is required.

Lola Health offers coccyx MRI scans through 150+ UK scanning centres with results reported by a specialist radiologist within 7–10 working days. View our coccyx MRI scan for pricing and booking.

Coccyx MRI and Blood Testing

Blood tests aren't the primary investigation for coccyx pain, but they can be helpful in certain situations:

• CRP and ESR — elevated inflammatory markers may suggest infection (pilonidal abscess, osteomyelitis) or inflammatory arthritis affecting the sacrococcygeal joint
• Full blood count — raised white cells can indicate infection. Low haemoglobin may suggest a chronic underlying condition
• Calcium and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) — may be elevated in bone tumours such as chordoma
• PSA (prostate-specific antigen) — in older men, coccyx pain can occasionally be caused by prostate cancer metastasis to the sacrum
• HLA-B27 — relevant if ankylosing spondylitis affecting the sacroiliac joints is suspected as a cause of lower back/coccyx pain
• Vitamin D — deficiency can cause generalised bone pain and may contribute to sacral/coccygeal discomfort

Start with a Lola Health blood test to check your inflammation markers, calcium, and vitamin D. If results suggest further investigation, a coccyx MRI can provide the structural detail your blood results can't show. Peak Insights 70 covers these markers across 70 biomarkers.

If your coccyx pain is persistent, progressive, or accompanied by systemic symptoms (weight loss, fever, night pain), blood tests can help rule out serious underlying causes.

Explore Lola Health blood tests to check your inflammatory, bone, and metabolic markers.

Considering a broader check? Read our full body MRI scan guide to see what a complete MRI screening covers, or explore the Peak 70 + Full Body MRI bundle for the most thorough health check available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a coccyx MRI better than an X-ray?

Yes, for most purposes. X-rays show bone but can miss fractures, soft-tissue problems, and tumours. MRI provides full assessment of both bone and soft tissue.

Can a coccyx MRI detect cancer?

Yes. MRI can identify chordomas, metastases, and other tumours affecting the coccyx and sacrum.

Is the scan painful?

No. You'll lie on your back, which is usually more comfortable than sitting if you have coccyx pain.

How long does a coccyx MRI take?

Typically 20–30 minutes.

Will the MRI show why sitting is painful?

Yes. MRI can identify fractures, dislocations, bone marrow changes, cysts, and soft-tissue abnormalities that commonly cause pain with sitting.

Do I need a referral?

For a private coccyx MRI through Lola Health, a referral isn't required. Clinical details help the radiologist provide a more focused report.

Book Your Coccyx MRI Scan

If persistent tailbone pain is affecting your daily life, a coccyx MRI provides the detailed assessment needed to identify the cause and plan treatment.