Caudal Steroid Injection
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If you suffer from chronic low back pain or limb pain, you may benefit from a caudal epidural steroid injection.
If you have experienced low back pain or limb pain for a month or longer, you may want to consider a caudal epidural steroid injection in which a steroid is injected into the epidural space, where the irritated nerve roots are located. The steroid in the injection reduces inflammation, while the anesthetic interrupts the pain cycle. Both medications spread to the most painful levels in the spine. Conditions which may benefit from a caudal steroid injection include the following:
- Sciatica
- Herniated or bulging discs, and
- Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
About the Caudal Steroid Injection
If you have decided to have a caudal steroid injection to relieve your pain, you will be glad to know that the procedure generally takes less than 15 minutes, and typically relieves pain quickly. This relief of pain can then allow you to resume your daily normal activities.
You will be advised to eat only a light meal prior to the procedure, and if you take blood thinners, you will probably be asked to discontinue that particular medication for a couple of weeks prior to having your caudal steroid injection. Your heart rate, oxygen and blood pressure will be monitored during the procedure, and you will be asked to lay flat on your stomach with a pillow beneath your abdomen, or on your side, with your knees pulled up.
The area where the caudal steroid injection will go will be numbed with a local anesthetic, then the needle will be inserted into the caudal epidural space. A contrast dye will be injected into the area, and once the healthcare professional is sure of the needle placement the medication will be injected. The needle is removed, and a bandage applied to the site.
Unless you are an athlete or perform physical work at your job, you may be able to return to your normal activities the next day. Caudal steroid injections typically last for several weeks, to several months, therefore if the caudal steroid injection works well for removing your pain, you may have further injections if your pain is chronic, or returns.
Risks Associated with Caudal Steroid Injections
Aside from infection, bleeding at the injection site or a slight headache, there are few complications associated with caudal steroid injections. Less common risks include weight gain, a decreased immune response, high blood pressure and an allergic reaction.
Receiving a Caudal Steroid Injection at Seattle Pain
If you have persistent back or limb pain that has not responded to other therapies, then a caudal steroid injection could help relieve that pain. At Seattle Pain, we want to help you get back to your regular day-to-day activities. If other therapies such as ultrasound, massage therapy, physical therapy and chiropractic manipulation have not given you the level of pain relief you need, then it could be time to consider a caudal steroid injection at Seattle Pain.
Are you suffering from chronic low back pain?
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At Seattle Pain, we can relieve your pain and improve your quality of life. We believe in treating the whole patient – and not just the illness or injury. You do not have to live in pain. Call us today.
