Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection

What is a caudal injection?

A back shot is really a shot right into the lowest portion of the epidural space. A caudal steroid injection can help reduce lower back and leg pain triggered by sciatica, herniated discs, bone spurs or other back issues.

You have nerves that range from your spine out to your back and also legs. When among those nerve “roots” (completion closest to your spine) gets aggravated and irritated due to a harmed disc or other problem, it can create back or leg pain.

A steroid medicine can help in reducing the swelling and also relieve the discomfort. It’s injected into your back, into the location between the membrane that contains the spinal fluid (the dura) as well as the thickest tendon in between your vertebra. The back canal is below the lower end of the spinal cord.

How is a caudal injection performed?

First, you will lie on your abdominal area on an x-ray table. After that, an intravenous medicine to help you kick back will certainly be administered.

The physician will numb a location of skin on your reduced back, simply above your butts, with an anesthetic. After that, directed by an x-ray, she or he will:

Place a thin needle right into your back, just above your tailbone

Inject dye to confirm that medication is administered right into the back area

Inject a mixture of anesthetic (for momentary discomfort relief) as well as steroid (for longer term alleviation).

The medicines after that spread in the epidural and also back areas, thereby hopefully decreasing nerve inflammation and also discomfort.

Generally, the procedure takes less than 15 minutes and you can go home the exact same day.