Pain Treatments
Caudal Steroid Injection
A caudal injection is an injection given to the lowest portion of the epidural space near the tail bone. A caudal steroid injection can help reduce lower back and leg pain caused by sciatica, herniated discs, bone spurs or other back problems.
How is a caudal epidural injection performed?
The doctor will numb your lower back with medication near the tail bone, which is just above the buttocks. Then, guided by an x-ray, he will:
Insert a thin needle into your back, just above your tailbone
Inject dye to confirm that medication is administered into the correct space
Inject a mixture of anesthetic (for temporary pain relief) and steroid (for longer term relief)
The medicines then spread in the epidural and caudal spaces, thereby hopefully reducing nerve inflammation and pain. Usually, the procedure takes less than 15 minutes and you can go home the same day.
How effective is a caudal injection?
What are the risks?
What happens after the procedure?
