Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection Specialist in San Antonio, TX

A caudal epidural steroid injection is a procedure involving an injection into the lowest part of the spine, situated just above the buttocks. Its purpose is to alleviate inflammation that may be responsible for irritating nerves and inducing pain in the lower back and surrounding areas.
 
The injection takes place in the back, within the region between the membrane containing spinal fluid and the thickest ligament between the vertebrae. Following the injection, the steroid medication disperses through the area effectively coating the nerve roots in the vicinity of the injection area. While pain relief may be brief for some individuals, in others, the benefits can extend for months at a time.
 
The epidural space serves as a pathway for the spinal nerves to connect with the legs. If these nerves become inflamed, it can lead to back or leg pain. By administering medication into the epidural space, the nerve pain can be alleviated.
 
Caudal epidural steroid injections are employed to address pain arising from conditions such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and other issues affecting the lower spine. This treatment can provide pain relief that persists for months and is repeatable should the pain resurface.

The duration of pain relief provided by a caudal epidural steroid injection can vary significantly among individuals and is influenced by various factors, including the specific condition being treated and an individual’s overall health. Consequently, each patient’s experience may differ. Typically, the injection offers immediate pain relief upon administration.
 
The steroid component of the injection typically begins to take effect within the first week following the procedure. Subsequently, the duration of pain relief can vary, spanning from a few days to up to a year. In cases where the therapy proves to be a long-term solution for the pain, the use of epidural steroid injections in conjunction with physical therapy can potentially eliminate the need for surgical intervention.
 
For some patients, caudal epidural steroid injections can become a component of their comprehensive pain management treatment plan devised with the specialists at San Antonio Pain Consultants.
 
Patients may receive multiple injections spaced a few weeks apart to achieve progressively reduced pain levels. However, if additional injections are deemed necessary, it is advisable to wait several months before doing so and to consult with your doctor or pain specialist first. Epidural steroid injections are often recommended when conventional treatments, such as pain relievers or physical therapy, prove insufficient in alleviating pain, and they are considered before the more aggressive option of surgery.

The suitability of caudal epidurals as a therapeutic approach depends significantly on your response to the initial injection. If the first injection is effective in providing pain relief, your doctor will likely recommend subsequent injections when and if the pain returns.
 
In cases where the relief is less significant up to two additional injections may be ordered, and these are typically spaced two to four weeks apart to enhance the overall effects.
 
However, in some cases where the initial caudal epidural proves ineffective in relieving your pain, your healthcare provider may explore different treatment options that may be more suitable for your condition. The duration of pain relief varies among individuals, so the exact timetable for these injections can vary considerably.
 
Nonetheless, as a general guideline, it is typically recommended that no more than three caudal epidural injections be administered within a one-year timeframe.

The caudal steroid injection procedure is easy and mostly painless, it often takes less than 15 minutes and patients can go home afterwards. During the caudal steroid injection procedure, you will be positioned face-down on an X-ray table.
 
The doctor will numb the skin just above your tailbone using a local anesthetic. Afterward, a needle is carefully inserted into the caudal area, and contrast dye is injected to aid in the visualization of X-ray images. Finally, the steroid medication is introduced into the epidural and caudal spaces to reduce nerve irritation and alleviate pain.

Caudal epidural steroid injection specialists are available at San Antonio Pain Consultants. For more details, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and surrounding areas.