CAUDAL STEROID INJECTION

Physicians widely use the caudal steroid injection to treat any of the following:

 

• Severe lower back pain that may radiate down the leg/s

• Coccydynia, pain in the tailbone caused by trauma, and

• Leg pain after previous back surgery
   

 

During this session, the patient lies down with the face down. The back is supported by placing a cushion beneath the stomach to reduce the pain during the session and to arch the back. A fluoroscope is used by the physician in this process to find the opening in the sacrum.
 

Once the opening is found, a needle is injected in the area and contrast solution is supplied to clearly see the affected area. A catheter may be used to reach the site of problem. The epidural space is then injected with the anti-flammatory medicine to treat the pain.
 

A caudal steroid injection is likely to provide significant improvement after the first session, but may need be repeated up to three times for longer pain relief.