What is a caudal epidural?
A caudal epidural is an injection into the epidural space, but it is approached low on the body near the bottom of the sacrum just above the coccyx. The beauty of this technique is it is away from the more sensitive structures (the spinal cord ends around the first or second lumbar vertebra and the nerve roots usually end at the top of the sacrum). But the fluid injected gently seeps upwards to reach the exiting nerves of the lower lumbar vertebrae as well as the nerves to the discs themselves, the sinuvertebral nerves. The epidural space is the space outside of the spinal cord and fluid-filled dura layer, through which the nerves must exit to travel down the legs. Ultrasound is used to guide the needle placement.
What are the reasons for a caudal epidural?
Here are some of the reasons a caudal epidural may be recommended for you: spinal stenosis or narrowing of the space around the spinal cord in your back; symptoms of referred pain down your legs, indicating a possible disc herniation or pressure on the nerves; and they may benefit symptoms of numbness in the legs too.
What will it feel like?
First you receive a local anaesthetic injection to numb the skin over the sacrum. Then as the epidural injection proceeds you may feel nothing, or you may feel a pressure sensation and sometimes you may feel pressure or discomfort in the area of the affected nerve in your buttocks or leg. Once the anaesthetic in the injection works, this pressure or discomfort quickly goes away. It is a well-tolerated procedure and you should notice a difference almost immediately, and certainly within the first 2 days.
What is injected?
Usually you will receive an injection of preservative-free lidocaine (anaesthetic). Sometimes if you have shooting pains down your legs as the reason for the injection, you may also be given a low dose of dexamethasone in the injected solution; this is a steroid, aimed at quickly reducing the inflammation present.
How long does it take?
Usually only about 15 minutes. The actual injection doesn't take long.
How long will it last?
A few days to weeks; sometimes longer. Usually it is repeated at about the 2 week mark. Repeating the epidural gives additive effects, and after a few treatments the results generally last longer and longer. We don't advise more than 3 epidural treatments per 6 months.
Have there been studies supporting its use?
Yes! There are many studies showing the positive effect of epidurals.
Is this procedure covered by MSP of BC?
Yes. There is no direct payment by you. This is a covered service of Medical Services Plan of BC.
A caudal epidural is an injection into the epidural space, but it is approached low on the body near the bottom of the sacrum just above the coccyx. The beauty of this technique is it is away from the more sensitive structures (the spinal cord ends around the first or second lumbar vertebra and the nerve roots usually end at the top of the sacrum). But the fluid injected gently seeps upwards to reach the exiting nerves of the lower lumbar vertebrae as well as the nerves to the discs themselves, the sinuvertebral nerves. The epidural space is the space outside of the spinal cord and fluid-filled dura layer, through which the nerves must exit to travel down the legs. Ultrasound is used to guide the needle placement.
What are the reasons for a caudal epidural?
Here are some of the reasons a caudal epidural may be recommended for you: spinal stenosis or narrowing of the space around the spinal cord in your back; symptoms of referred pain down your legs, indicating a possible disc herniation or pressure on the nerves; and they may benefit symptoms of numbness in the legs too.
What will it feel like?
First you receive a local anaesthetic injection to numb the skin over the sacrum. Then as the epidural injection proceeds you may feel nothing, or you may feel a pressure sensation and sometimes you may feel pressure or discomfort in the area of the affected nerve in your buttocks or leg. Once the anaesthetic in the injection works, this pressure or discomfort quickly goes away. It is a well-tolerated procedure and you should notice a difference almost immediately, and certainly within the first 2 days.
What is injected?
Usually you will receive an injection of preservative-free lidocaine (anaesthetic). Sometimes if you have shooting pains down your legs as the reason for the injection, you may also be given a low dose of dexamethasone in the injected solution; this is a steroid, aimed at quickly reducing the inflammation present.
How long does it take?
Usually only about 15 minutes. The actual injection doesn't take long.
How long will it last?
A few days to weeks; sometimes longer. Usually it is repeated at about the 2 week mark. Repeating the epidural gives additive effects, and after a few treatments the results generally last longer and longer. We don't advise more than 3 epidural treatments per 6 months.
Have there been studies supporting its use?
Yes! There are many studies showing the positive effect of epidurals.
Is this procedure covered by MSP of BC?
Yes. There is no direct payment by you. This is a covered service of Medical Services Plan of BC.