Caudal Steroid Injection for Chronic Back and Lower Extremity Pain

A Caudal Epidural Steroid injection is a combination of a steroid and a local anesthetic that is delivered to your lowest portion of the epidural space to help reduce lower back pain , sciatica, herniated discs, bone spurs and some other back problems.

When one of the nerves "roots" that run from the spinal cord out to your back and legs gets inflamed largely because of the damaged disc, it brings out terrible chronic back/leg pain.

Caudal Epidural Steroid injection can help lessen inflammation and pain. The injection is delivered into the area between the membrane on your back that contains spinal fluid and the thickest ligament located in the middle of the vertebra and caudal canal at the lower end of the spinal cord.

The procedure involves releasing a steroid into the epidural and caudal space - these are the areas where the irritated nerves are located. The injection is delivered through a sacral opening and includes long-lasting steroid and an anesthetic. While the steroid reduces inflammation and irritation, the anesthetic disrupts the pain-spasm cycle. The medicines are well spread to the most painful levels and areas and usually take less than 15 minutes. You are likely to get discharged from the clinic that same day.

The use of epidural steroid injections can help you get rapid relief and consequently give you the liberty to take active part in their normal everyday activities.

While Caudal Epidural Steroid injection helps patients get relief instantly, one must remember that as the affect of local anesthetic starts wearing off, the pain may return. The actual long-term relief begins in 2 - 3 days and only when the steroid has a full affect on the affected sites.

The time frame of the affect of the injection is determined by the condition of the patients' physicality and various other factors. Once you understand that the treatment is working for you, you can opt for periodic injections.

The risks involved in the procedure are very low. There are a few complications, such as bleeding, nerve damage or infection at the site of injection and in rare cases you might get a headache. Other side effects may include allergic reaction, high blood sugars, decreased immune response, and weight gain.

One must be at his toes when performing certain activities after the Caudal Epidural Steroid injection. For eg. Not to drive, or get involved in rigorous physical activity for at least 24 hours. It may take up to 7 days for the steroid to begin working. In the mean time you can continue with your regular diet and medications.

So, the question is: Should you go for Caudal Steroid Injection?

Harry Lee is senior medical coder who has many years of experience of working in this field.