Abstract
Purpose of the study
To take a snapshot opinion of General Practitioner understanding of the prevalence, diagnosis and management of coccydynia.
Methodology
We designed a simple 5 question survey to administer to our local GPs. The survey was sent to 107 GP practices in Devon whose details were provided by The Devon Access Referral Team. We received 128 electronic replies. We also submitted the survey to 50 GPs who attended a study day at our institution – and ensured they had not already completed the electronic format of the same work. Thus we received 178 replies which we believe to be a highly representative sample of our local GPs opinion.
Results
53% correctly identified the prevalence of the condition. 42% believed the condition to be associated with an underlying psychological disorder. 58% believed there was no proven treatment for the condition. Less than 18% would consider referring the patient to any secondary care service that dealt with chronic spinal pain (Pain clinic, rheumatology or spinal surgery) even if the symptoms persisted beyond 3 months duration. 73% believed surgery was madness or had a less than 20% chance of relieving symptoms.
Conclusion
Coccydynia is a painful condition, causing significant distress for those suffering with the condition. Primary care physicians seem reluctant to recognise the problem as significant and reluctant to refer patients for treatment that may offer significant symptomatic relief. Education about the condition is required.
