Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections

Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections - for low back and leg pain

A caudal epidural steroid injection is an outpatient procedure for treating chronic lower back pain and chronic pain in the legs.

This information will explain what it is, Dr. Singer can determine if it is for you.

What is the epidural space? The dura is a protective covering of the spinal cord and its nerves. The space surrounding the dura is called the epidural space. In the lower back it is called the sacral epidural space.

What causes pain in the epidural space? Spinal cords contain numerous nerves that run down the back, and out to the rest of the body. The lower portion of the spinal cord contains the nerves that extend out through the legs and to the feet. When one of these nerves is irritated and becomes inflamed, it can cause pain in the lower back and legs.

What is a caudal epidural steroid injection? A caudal epidural injection involves placing a needle through the sacral hiatus to deliver medications into the epidural space. This approach to the epidural space helps to manage a wide variety of chronic pain conditions in adults.

What happens during an injection? A local anesthetic will be used to numb your skin. The doctor will then insert a thin needle directly into the area of the lower back located just above the buttocks. Fluoroscopy, a type of x- ray, must be used to ensure the safe and proper position of the needle. A dye may be used to make sure the needle is at the correct spot. Once Dr. Singer is sure the needle is correctly placed, the medicine will be injected.

What happens after an injection? You will be free to get re-dressed and check out at the front desk. It may help to move in ways that hurt before the injection, to see if the pain is still there, but do not overdo it. Take it easy for the rest of the day. You may feel immediate pain relief and some numbness for a limited time after the injection. This may indicate the medication has reached the right spot. You can usually return to work the day after the injection. Your pain may return after this short pain-free period or may even be a little worse for a day or two. It may be caused by needle irritation or by the steroid itself. Steroids usually take two or three days to start working, but can take as long as a week.

How long can I expect pain relief? The effects of a caudal epidural can last several months, but they are not permanent. In order to experience long-term pain relief, periodic injections are needed. Other coexisting factors may be responsible for your pain. Sometimes an injection brings several weeks to months of pain relief and then further treatment is needed. Other times, a single injection brings long-term pain relief. If your pain is caused by injury to more than one area, only some of your symptoms may be helped by a single injection.

This information is for general education only. Specific questions or concerns should always be directed to your doctor. Your doctor can explain possible risks or side effects.