A Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pain in the lower back, legs, and tailbone area. This type of injection is often recommended for patients experiencing pain due to:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Sciatica (pain radiating down the leg)
- Lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Chronic low back pain
The injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) into the epidural space near the tailbone, reducing inflammation around the spinal nerves and alleviating pain.
How Does It Help?
By delivering steroid medication directly into the epidural space, the injection helps reduce inflammation and pressure on irritated spinal nerves. This can significantly decrease pain and improve mobility, allowing you to participate in physical therapy and other activities that promote recovery and long-term spinal health.
Steps of Administering a Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
- Pre-procedure Preparation
- You will lie face down on a table, and the skin around your lower back and tailbone area will be cleaned and sterilized.
- A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the skin and surrounding tissues.
- Using Fluoroscopic Guidance
- The physician will use fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) to carefully guide a needle into the caudal epidural space, which is located near the base of the spine.
- Injection of Medication
- Once the needle is in the correct position, a contrast dye may be injected to confirm proper placement.
- A mixture of corticosteroid and anesthetic will then be injected into the caudal epidural space.
- Post-Procedure
- After the injection, you’ll be monitored for 15-30 minutes to ensure there are no immediate side effects. You may feel some soreness at the injection site, which should resolve in a day or two.
When Can You Go Home?
- You will be able to go home within 30-60 minutes after the procedure.
- It is important to have someone drive you home, as the anesthetic may cause temporary numbness or weakness in the legs.
- You should avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours, but most patients can resume light activities the day after the procedure.
How Many Injections Are Needed?
The number of injections required depends on the severity of your condition and how your body responds to treatment. Typically, patients need 1 to 3 injections to achieve significant and long-lasting pain relief.
- Initial Relief: Some patients feel pain relief after the first injection, but maximum benefits are usually seen after 2 to 3 treatments.
- Long-term Relief: The effects of the injection may last for several weeks to several months, but additional injections may be needed if symptoms return.
Final Thoughts
A caudal epidural steroid injection can be an effective part of your overall pain management plan. While it doesn’t cure the underlying condition, it can provide lasting relief from lower back and leg pain, allowing you to focus on rehabilitation and long-term recovery.
If you have any questions or concerns about this procedure or your recovery, feel free to contact our office for more information.