Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
The epidural space in the spine is the area that surrounds the nerve roots in between the spinal cord and spinal column. Many lumbar spine conditions aggravate these nerve roots, resulting in pain in the low back and radiating pain or weakness down through the hips and legs. One possible interventional pain treatment for some lumbar spine conditions is a caudal epidural steroid injection, which we offer at DOCS Health in Los Angeles, CA.
Cortisone or steroid injections are a convenient and effective option for relieving back pain. Conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, failed back surgery syndrome and degenerative disc disease can create inflammation in the epidural space. This can put pressure on the nerve roots and result in pain or radiculopathy symptoms. Steroid injections can provide anti-inflammatory results that minimize irritation on the nerve roots for pain relief. This can improve mobility and strength, which may allow some patients to participate in other beneficial pain management treatments like physical therapy.
Low Back Pain Relief
Ideally, our pain specialists at DOCS Health want to help our patients avoid invasive and risky treatments. While surgery is sometimes necessary for severe spine conditions, we want to explore minimally-invasive treatments whenever possible. Caudal epidural steroid injections can be performed in a brief outpatient procedure at our medical facility. We utilize x-rays to guide the injection to the exact position to deliver the steroid into the epidural space around the affected nerves. The steroid takes effect in about 2-3 days. Some patients have excellent results with one treatment while others may require a series of injections for the best results.
Downtime after steroid injections is minimal. Patients should avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours, but most normal activity can be resumed the next day. There may be some tenderness or swelling at the site of the injection, but discomfort is very limited.
Caudal epidural steroid injection therapy can be an effective option for pain management for low back pain conditions. Many patients can avoid or delay surgery using steroid injections to manage their lumbar spine pain. To learn more about injection therapy for low back pain relief, contact us at DOCS Health in Beverly Hills, CA, to schedule a back pain consultation.