The epidural space surrounds the dura, which protects the spinal cord and its nerves. If a disc in the lower back region tears, chemicals may leak out, causing pain in the leg or lower back. A lumbar caudal epidural steroid injection is a minimally-invasive procedure for treating leg and lower back pain originating from the epidural space.
Lumbar Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure
A lumbar caudal epidural steroid injection is usually performed with local anesthetic. Once the local anesthetic has numbed your skin, a small needle will be placed through your tailbone and into the epidural space with the assistance of an imaging technique known as fluoroscopy. Once the needle is properly situated, the medicine will be injected.
After Lumbar Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
After your lumbar caudal epidural steroid injection, you will be observed for about 30 minutes in our recovery area. Patients return home the same day as their procedure, and most patients return to work the very next day. You may experience immediate pain relief for a few hours after the injection that then worsens for a few days; this is normal, and may be caused by irritation from the needle. The corticosteroids used for this injection usually take about a week to fully relieve pain.
Effectiveness of Lumbar Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
The effectiveness of a lumbar caudal epidural steroid injection varies. Some patients experience long-term, or sometimes even permanent, pain relief after one injection, requiring no further treatment. Others may require additional treatment a few weeks or months later. The exact effectiveness of a lumbar caudal epidural steroid injection depends on your individual condition.