Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Neck or Cervical Pain
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Caudal Epidural
1:33
5. Facet Joint Injection
1:44
10. Interventional Pain Procedures
1:58
13. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Caudal Epidural
1746883021
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.
FAQs
Are there any risks associated with a caudal epidural injection?
While caudal epidural injections are generally safe, there are rare risks including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or an allergic reaction. If you experience a fever, severe pain, or any unusual symptoms, it's important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Incontinence after the procedure requires emergency evaluation.
How effective is a caudal epidural injection for relieving pain, and might more than one injection be necessary?
Pain relief from a caudal epidural injection may take a few days to manifest. In some cases, more than one injection might be necessary to achieve optimal results. This treatment can be particularly beneficial when other more conventional treatments have not provided sufficient relief, helping to improve daily activities and quality of life.
What can I expect during and after the procedure?
During the procedure, you will lie on a table while the doctor uses fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide the needle for accurate placement. The injection itself is quick, but you will remain under observation for approximately 30 minutes afterward. After the procedure, you may experience temporary numbness or weakness in your legs, but this should resolve shortly. It's important to avoid heavy activities for 24 hours.
What is a caudal epidural injection and how does it help with pain relief?
A caudal epidural injection involves injecting a steroid and numbing medication into the epidural space near the sacral hiatus, which is an opening above the tailbone. This procedure helps reduce inflammation and block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief from lower back and leg pain caused by conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
What should I do to prepare for a caudal epidural injection?
To prepare for a caudal epidural injection, avoid eating for six hours before the procedure if sedation or anesthesia is required, but you can drink clear liquids up to two hours prior. Wear loose clothing, and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. It's crucial to follow any additional instructions provided by your healthcare provider.