It’s Time For Your Shot
If a doctor recommends a caudal injection, a patient may have severe lower back pain. Lower back pain is a common condition and doctors expect most people to have pain at some point. Chronic back pain, however, can impact the quality of life. To treat the pain, a doctor may inject a combination of steroids and anesthetic in the epidural space. This process can serve as an effective nerve block for pain relief.
What’s behind your lower back pain?
The back and spine are a complex network of bones, nerves, muscle, and intervertebral discs. The nerves from the spinal cord branch out through small holes and epidural space. Due to wear and tear, herniated discs, arthritis, or bone spurs. The reduced space presses on nearby nerves, causing lower back pain. The back pain can graduate to symptoms like sciatica, affecting the buttocks, legs, and feet.
Turning to caudal injections
If someone has chronic back pain, a doctor can provide a range of non-surgical techniques to help. Physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help. Over time, however, these may not be enough. Caudal injections are non-invasive procedures to provide more medication to the problem area. The injections go to the caudal region near the tailbone and often in the epidural space near the dura.
How caudal injections can help
Most caudal injections contain a combination of steroid and anesthetic medication. The anesthetic provides a numbing sensation for a specific period. The anesthetic also gives the steroid time to work in the body. Steroids are a series of synthetic hormones, some of which resembles cortisol. The drug works by reducing inflammation through slowing down particular inhibitors in the body. The immune system can no longer attack that problem area, making steroids effective for longer pain relief. Both components also help block the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain.
What to expect during the procedure
The caudal injection is a quick, minimally invasive routine performed by doctors, anesthetists, or radiologists. The patient will lie face down on an x-ray table. The medical professional will sterilize a portion of the lower back and may provide a local anesthetic. Using a guided x-ray called fluoroscopy, a needle goes to the caudal region. A combination of steroid and anesthetic is injected near the nerve root. Once the procedure ends, the patient can leave a short time after.
Is it effective?
Caudal injections are an effective method of pain relief. Some patients feel as much as 50% pain reduction a few hours after the procedure. There are cases where a doctor may request a second injection if the pain relief is inadequate. Caudal injections provide pain relief for several months and can help with physical therapy treatment. On average, 80% of patients who opt for steroid injections are satisfied with the results. If lower back, leg, and feet pain are impacting the quality of life, caudal injections may be the solution.
Recent Posts
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Mobility & Relieving Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff repair can relieve shoulder pain and restore strength. Learn how surgery works, recovery timelines, and when repair may be needed.
Managing Post-Surgical Pain: The Benefits Of Personalized Care Plans
After surgery, pain management is one of the most important things you need to finalize to help support your recovery.
Knee Arthroscopy: What Conditions Can This Procedure Treat?
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure with multiple applications. Learn how this surgery helps different knee conditions.
Debunking Joint Surgery Myths: Can You Really Go Home The Same Day?
Joint surgery no longer requires long hospital stays. Learn how same-day discharge works, who qualifies, and why recovery at home is often possible.
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
Recent Posts
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Mobility & Relieving Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff repair can relieve shoulder pain and restore strength. Learn how surgery works, recovery timelines, and when repair may be needed.
Managing Post-Surgical Pain: The Benefits Of Personalized Care Plans
After surgery, pain management is one of the most important things you need to finalize to help support your recovery.
Knee Arthroscopy: What Conditions Can This Procedure Treat?
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure with multiple applications. Learn how this surgery helps different knee conditions.
Debunking Joint Surgery Myths: Can You Really Go Home The Same Day?
Joint surgery no longer requires long hospital stays. Learn how same-day discharge works, who qualifies, and why recovery at home is often possible.
