Caudal Epidural Injections

Caudal Epidural Injections are the numbing injections given in the caudal epidural space which is present in the low back area.

Caudal Injection

Caudal injections are a type of epidural injection administered to your low back. The shot contains a steroid that reduces pain and inflammation. Caudal injections are outpatient ( day care) procedures, meaning you can go home the same day. Most patients have minimal downtime and experience back pain relief within a few days.

A caudal injection is a steroid injection into your low back. The shot goes into the lower part of your epidural space (sleeve-like area that surrounds your nerve roots). The injection contains a steroid medication that reduces inflammation and decreases low back pain. Spinal nerves run through the epidural space, If these nerves become inflamed, you may experience leg or back pain. Injecting medicine into the epidural space can decrease this nerve pain.

Indications

A caudal injection treats nerve pain and inflammation. Causes of nerve pain and inflammation may include:

Spinal canal stenosis.
Failed back syndrome or postlaminectomy syndrome.
Herniated disks.
Degenerative disk disease.
Sciatica or Radiculopathy

Procedure

Before a caudal injection, Some medications or supplements which makes the blood thin and increases bleeding risks. We need to stop taking these medications a few days before the injection.

During a caudal injection:

You lie face-down on an X-ray table. You may use a pillow under your abdomen for increased comfort.
A pain management specialist applies a topical anesthetic (numbing medication) to your lower back. You won’t feel anything during the procedure.
The specialist uses a needle to inject dye into the epidural space.
The specialist uses an X-ray to view the dye and see exactly where the medicine should go.
Using a needle, steroid medication into the epidural space has been injected.

Post-Procedure Precautions

A caudal injection is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. The entire process usually takes only 15 to 30 minutes.Typically, you need to avoid strenuous activity and driving for the first 24 hours after the injection. You may notice some soreness near the injection site. Many people experience back pain relief within two to three days.

Complications

Caudal injections are generally very safe. There are small risks which include:

Bleeding around the injection site.
Headache.
Infection around the injection site.

Summary

Caudal injections are steroid shots administered to the low back. They can relieve nerve pain and inflammation. Caudal injections are quick, outpatient procedures. They typically only require 24 hours of downtime. Many people experience pain relief within a few days. Some people may experience total pain relief from one injection. Others may need injections from time to time.

FAQ’s

How Is the procedure done?

The procedure is done in operation theater under the effect of local anesthesia, with patients in prone position. Under the fluoroscopic guidance caudal epidural space is identified and medicines are injected.

How long the procedure takes?

The procedure will take 10-15 minutes. Thus, an intraarticular steroid is safe if used within recommended doses and if not repeated within one month.

Is it a day care procedure?

Yes it is a day care procedure. Patient is discharged after two hours of observation.

What are post procedure recommendations?

Yes it is a day care procedure. Patient is discharged after two hours of observation.

How much steroid can be injected per dose?

Patients who are allergic to local anesthesia, patients with bleeding disorder.

Caudal Epidural Injections

Caudal Injection

Post-Procedure Precautions

Complications

Summary

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