A caudal epidural injection can help relieve lower back and leg pain caused by conditions like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or nerve irritation. It works by injecting a steroid and numbing medication near the sacral hiatus, an opening above the tailbone. This helps reduce inflammation and block pain signals from reaching the brain.

If you need sedation or anesthesia, don’t eat for six hours before the procedure, but you may drink clear liquids up to two hours prior. Wear loose clothing and arrange for someone to drive you home. During the procedure, a fluoroscopy or ulrasound guidance helps guide the needle for accurate placement. The injection is quick, but you'll stay for roughly 30 minutes afterward for monitoring.

You may feel temporary numbness or weakness in your legs, but this should go away soon. Avoid heavy activities for 24 hours. Pain relief may take a few days, and sometimes more than one injection is needed for the best results.

While rare, risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage or an allergic reaction. Call the office if you have a fever, severe pain, or any unusual symptoms. If there is incontinence, that requires an emergency evaluation immediately.

If other more conventional treatments haven’t provided enough relief, a caudal epidural injection may help reduce pain and improve your daily activities. Please contact us for further guidance.