Comparision of pulse electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) and intrarectal manipulation activities in patients with coccydynia

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of Pulse electromagnetic field (PEMF) and intrarectal manipulation therapies in patients with coccydynia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty consecutive patients (35 females, 5 males, age: 41.42 ± 11.93, 19-68 years) diagnosed with coccyddynia between June 2018 and September 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic information, etiology of coccydynia, radiographic findings, comorbidity status, coccyx types, and presence of anemia were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment. There were 20 patients receiving PMEF and 20 patients receiving intrarectal manipulation. Patients were evaluated with data obtained from the VAS (Visual Pain Scale), Paris Questionnaire, EuroQool (EQ-5D-3L) General Quality of Life Scale and Oswetry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. RESULTS: The values of disease activity indices in both treatment groups before and after 6 months of treatment were compared. Accordingly, a statistically significant improvement was observed in all indexes with treatment compared to the pre-treatment period, which continued even at 6 months. (PEMF; p= 0,000, p=0,000, p=0,000, p=0,001, p=0,001; İntratectal manipulation; p=0,005, p=0,011, p=0,001, p=0,026, p=0,000). In both groups, DGDVAS was found to be significantly higher in coccyx Type-2 compared to other coccyx types. (PEMF; p=0,038, İntratectal manipulation; p=0,018) Significantly higher HGDVAS index was detected in the drivers of the manipulation group. (p=0,014) In the magnetotherapy group, a significantly higher oswestry index was found in patients with degenerative radiographic findings. (p=0,033) The Oswetry index also showed a positive correlation with disease duration, age and BMI in the manipulation arm). (p=0,439, p=0,462, p=0,410) CONCLUSİON: Magnetotherapy and manipulation therapies were effective in short and medium term in coccydynia patients. We anticipate that coccydynia of these two treatment modalities may be a part of conservative treatment.