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Caudal Injection

Lower back pain, leg pain, and sciatica can severely limit daily activities. A caudal epidural steroid injection offers a minimally invasive solution, delivering a steroid and anesthetic into the epidural space at the base of the spine to reduce inflammation around irritated nerve roots.

Illustration of an epidural steroid injection into the lumbar spine

What Are Caudal Epidural Injections?

A caudal epidural steroid injection delivers steroids and an anesthetic into the caudal epidural space at the base of the spine, reached through the sacral hiatus, a small natural opening in the sacrum.
 
This area is near the lower nerve roots, which makes caudal injections particularly effective for lower back pain and sciatica. The steroid reduces inflammation and swelling of the nerves and surrounding tissue. Related options include epidural steroid injections at other levels.

Conditions Caudal Injections Treat

This procedure is used for the following conditions. Each links to its own page with symptoms and other treatment options.

SciaticaLeg pain from inflamed lower nerve roots. Back painChronic lower back pain. Spinal stenosisLumbar stenosis affecting several nerve roots. Herniated discsInflammation from a lower lumbar disc. Failed back surgery syndromePersistent pain after lumbar surgery. RadiculopathyRadiating leg symptoms.
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Is A Caudal Injection Right For You?

Caudal injections are often considered for lower back and leg pain from inflamed nerve roots, particularly when several lower levels are involved or after prior lumbar surgery. An examination and imaging help choose the right type of injection.
 
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Gloved clinician giving an injection in the lower back

The Caudal Injection Procedure

A caudal injection is a short outpatient procedure:

  1. 1

    Preparation

    You lie face down, and the lower back area is cleaned and numbed.

  2. 2

    Guidance

    Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, the doctor locates the caudal epidural space.

  3. 3

    Injection

    A needle is inserted through the sacral hiatus, and a mixture of steroid and anesthetic is administered.

  4. 4

    Home the same day

    You rest for the remainder of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon will I feel relief?

Pain relief varies. Some patients feel better within a few days, while others may take a week or more to notice improvement.

How long does the relief last?

The duration of relief varies from weeks to months. Some patients may require repeated injections.

Is the injection painful?

Patients may feel brief discomfort during the injection, but the procedure is generally well tolerated. The skin is numbed first.

Are there side effects?

While generally safe, some patients experience temporary side effects such as soreness at the injection site, flushing, or a short-term increase in pain before improvement begins.

When can I return to normal activities?

Most patients return to normal activities the next day, taking it easy for the rest of the injection day.

How is a caudal injection different from other epidural injections?

A caudal injection enters the epidural space through the sacral hiatus, a small natural opening at the base of the spine, which allows medication to spread to several lower lumbar and sacral nerve roots.

What conditions do caudal injections treat?

They are particularly effective for lower back pain, leg pain, and sciatica caused by inflamed lower spinal nerve roots.

How do I find out if a caudal injection is right for me?

An evaluation of your symptoms and imaging guides the choice of injection. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule.

Benefits Of Caudal Injections

Caudal injections offer:

  • Targeted relief, addressing lower back and sciatic pain at the nerve roots.
  • A minimally invasive approach: a non-surgical injection with a quick recovery.
  • Reduced inflammation and swelling, relieving pain and discomfort.
  • Low risk, with minimal risk of complications.
  • A quick return to activity, usually the next day.
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Clinician preparing a patient's lower back for a spinal injection

Related Treatments

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to diagnose and treat neck and back pain. These injections are placed in the epidural space of the spine, which is located between the vertebral bones and the protective covering of the spinal cord.

Nerve Block Injections

Selective nerve root block injections (SNRB) are commonly administered to patients experiencing pain resulting from a compressed spinal nerve root.

Pain Management Injections

Several types of injections can be used to diagnose and treat back pain. In many cases, injections are used for both purposes at the same time.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an advanced form of extended care that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal conditions to help relieve chronic pain and other symptoms.

Facet Injections

Facet injections are a common treatment for patients with back pain that manifests in the facet joints, the joints that connect two vertebrae and allow the spine to perform bending and twisting motions

Facet Ablation

Our minimally invasive facet ablation procedure is aimed to treat arthritis in the spine. Your spine has a series of facet joints on the outside of your spinal cord that lay closest to your skin.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive pain management treatment option proudly offered by Total Spine and Orthopedics.

Medial Branch Blocks

Experiencing chronic back or neck pain can significantly impact your quality of life. Medial Branch Blocks offer a minimally invasive solution, targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections

Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections can be performed to diagnose and/or treat SI joint dysfunction. Located in the lower back and pelvis, the sacroiliac joints can become inflamed as a result of several common conditions. Degenerative spine disease, arthritis and traumatic lower back injuries can all lead to SI joint pain.

What To Expect

Most patients return to normal activities the next day.

Injection day

Take it easy

Rest for the remainder of the day.

Next day

Normal activities

Most patients resume their usual routine.

Days to a week or more

Relief develops

Improvement may take several days to appear.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • A full continuum of pain care

    From injections to minimally invasive surgery, every option is available in one place.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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