Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection

A caudal epidural steroid injection is an option for patients suffering from pain, numbness or weakness due to cervical nerve irritation. Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections are effective in treating herniated discs in the neck, spinal stenosis and other conditions that irritate the cervical nerves impacting the shoulders, arms, wrists, and other parts of the upper body. This type of injection is also a diagnostic tool used in locating the origin of the pain.

This outpatient procedure takes only a few minutes at The Spine & Pain Center office. As it begins, the patient lies face down and the low back is exposed and slightly elevated with a pillow. A local anesthetic is administered at the top of the opening in the lumbar spine to ease discomfort caused by the injection. The physician guides a needle into the base of the spine. A special dye that lights up on a fluoroscope device is used to confirm the position of the needle.

Next, a solution of anesthetic and steroid medication is injected into the nerve roots. While injecting the contrast dye and the anti-inflammatory steroid medication, the needle will stay in place minimizing discomfort to the patient and keeping it in the confirmed location. At the completion of the procedure, the needle is removed and the area is bandaged. After a brief period of monitoring, the patient may return home the same day.

Caudal epidural steroid injections are considered safe, with few risks from side effects. However, as with any medical procedure, patients receiving this treatment should watch for signs of allergic reaction. They may experience soreness at the injection site but should expect significant pain relief within a few days of having the procedure. If pain relief isn’t significant, patients should consult their physician at The Spine & Pain Center.

An alternative pain treatment or a repeat injection may be necessary in order to feel the full effects of the medication. And, while caudal epidural steroid injections are not a permanent pain solution, they may also be repeated after the effects have worn off in a couple of months.