Caudal Canal Injection
What is a caudal canal injection?
A caudal injection is a treatment that involves injecting a steroid medication to the lowest portion of the epidural space. It is injected into the area between the membrane that contains the spinal fluid and the thickest ligament between your vertebrae. The caudal canal is located below the lower end of your spinal cord. The medication helps reduce inflammation and pain.
When the nerves that run from your spinal cord out to your back ang legs get irritated and inflamed due to a damaged disc or other conditions such as sciatica and bone spurs, it results in back or leg pain.
How is a caudal canal injection performed?
You will lie on your stomach on the x-ray table. Then, you will be put under mild sedation to help you relax. Your doctor will numb the skin on your lower back using a local anesthetic. Using an x-ray, your doctor will inject a thin needle into your spine which contains a mixture of anesthetic and steroid.
What to expect after the procedure?
You will be advised not to drive or do any intense activities for 24 hours after your treatment. It may take up to a week for the caudal canal injection to start working. Call your doctor if you don’t notice any improvement on your pain 10-14 days after the procedure.
Is caudal canal injection right for you?
A caudal canal injection may be the right treatment for you if you are experiencing lumbar radiculopathy after spinal fusion for scoliosis. You may also benefit from the injection if your lower back pain caused by sciatica, herniated disc, or other conditions is severe and hasn’t improved with other treatments such as physical therapy.
Schedule a consultation with our pain doctor to learn more about this treatment. We offer caudal canal injection for patients in Torrance, El Segundo and surrounding areas who are looking for chronic back pain treatment.