Caudal Epidural Injection

What is it?

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​This procedure is an injection of steroid (strong anti-inflammatory) 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 and is usually performed under a light sedation so the patient remains pain free.

What happens on the day?

This is a quick day case procedure performed under sedation or local anaesthetic.  We therefore ask patients to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 6 hours prior to the injection.  Water however is allowed up to 2 hours before admission.  We also ask that someone brings the patient home.

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Patients lie on their front and a cannula inserted into their hand to facilitate the sedation if required. Once sedated, the injection is administered under x-ray guidance.  The steroid is injected with saline (salty water) to help it spread around all the irritated nerves and help ease pain.  Patients usually leave the hospital within an hour of the injection.

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Follow up

Typically, a routine follow-up appointment is made for 6 weeks, thus giving time for the injection to work. It is helpful to keep a pain diary during this time.  If there are any signs of discharge, redness or swelling at the injection site or a persistent headache, then early medical attention should be sought.