Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection

Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection

Overview

Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection is an outpatient procedure where the patient is injected with a steroid-anesthetic medication through an opening in the sacrum. The medication can reduce swelling and inflammation of irritated spinal nerves. The injection takes only a few minutes to complete.

Preparation

In preparation for the procedure, the patient lies face down. A cushion is placed under the abdomen to elevate the sacrum.

Anesthetic Injected

A herniated cervical disc can cause painful burning, tingling or numbing sensations in the neck, shoulders, arms and hands. It may also cause muscle weakness.

Needle Inserted

A herniated disc can be caused by the normal wear and tear of aging, or it can be caused by traumatic injury to the spine. Typically, small cracks or tears form in the disc’s outer wall, resulting in a weak spot.

Herniation

A herniation occurs when the disc’s nucleus pushes through the weakened disc wall. The bulging disc material can push into the spinal canal, pressing against the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Contrast Solution Injected

Treatment options for a herniated cervical disc may include rest, immobilization of the neck with a soft collar, anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, injections and physical therapy. If those options are not successful, surgery may be needed to remove the bulging portion of the disc.

Medication Injected

After the needle’s position has been confirmed, the physician injects a steroid-anesthetic medication. This medication bathes the irritated nerve roots. It will help alleviate the patient’s pain.

End of Procedure

When the procedure is complete, the physician removes the needle and bandages the insertion site. The patient may feel significant relief after one injection. Some patients may need multiple injections before they feel the full benefit of the medication.