Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection

A Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pain and inflammation in the lower back and legs. By delivering a corticosteroid and anesthetic medication into the epidural space near the tailbone, this treatment can reduce irritation of spinal nerves caused by conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. The goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help patients return to normal activities with greater comfort.

Quick facts

  • Setting: Outpatient, image-guided
  • Time: ~20–30 minutes
  • Anesthesia: Local with optional light sedation
  • Recovery: Same-day discharge; mild soreness possible
  • Duration of relief: Weeks to months; repeat injections may be recommended

Who it helps

  • Lumbar disc herniation or bulging disc
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
  • Sciatica (nerve root irritation)
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Chronic lower back or leg pain
  • Post-surgical back pain

How it works

The caudal epidural approach delivers medication into the epidural space through a small opening near the base of the spine called the sacral hiatus. Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, your provider carefully advances a thin needle into this space and injects a combination of corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation) and local anesthetic (to provide immediate relief). The medication coats the irritated nerves, helping to decrease swelling, relieve pain, and improve mobility.

What to expect

  • Before: Your provider will review your medical history and imaging. You may be asked to stop certain medications before the procedure.
  • During: You’ll lie comfortably on your stomach. The skin is cleansed and numbed, and under X-ray guidance, a small needle is inserted near the tailbone to deliver the medication.
  • After: You’ll rest briefly in recovery before going home. Mild soreness at the injection site is common and typically resolves in a day or two. Pain relief may begin within a few days and continue to improve over the next week.

Benefits & risks

Benefits:

  • Targets inflammation at the source of nerve pain
  • Can relieve leg and lower back pain
  • Minimally invasive with no incisions
  • May improve mobility and reduce reliance on pain medication

Risks:

  • Temporary soreness or numbness
  • Infection or bleeding at the injection site (rare)
  • Allergic reaction to medication (rare)
  • Temporary increase in pain before improvement

Is it right for me? (Checklist)

  • ✅ Chronic low back or leg pain caused by nerve irritation or inflammation
  • ✅ Pain that radiates from the lower back into the legs (sciatica)
  • ✅ Failed to improve with medications or physical therapy
  • ✅ Able to undergo an image-guided outpatient procedure

Alternatives at PCET

FAQs

  • How long does the injection take? The procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes, plus a short recovery period.
  • When will I feel relief? Many patients notice improvement within several days as inflammation subsides.
  • How long does relief last? Results vary; many patients experience weeks to months of reduced pain.
  • Can I repeat the procedure? Yes—your provider may recommend a series of injections for optimal benefit.
  • Is it covered by insurance? Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover epidural steroid injections when medically necessary.

📞 Call to Schedule

Ready to learn if a Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection can help relieve your pain? Call (865) 579-0552 to schedule your appointment today.