TL;DR Quick answer
An epidural injection given through a natural opening at the base of the spine. It is commonly used for chronic back pain and sciatica. The procedure takes about 15–20 minutes and is day care. Suitability is decided after a specialist assessment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About Caudal Epidural Injection
A caudal epidural places steroid and local anaesthetic into the lowest part of the epidural space through the sacral hiatus, a small opening above the tailbone. It is used for leg and back pain from irritated lower lumbar and sacral nerve roots, including after previous spine surgery.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 15–20 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Local |
| Guidance | X-ray (fluoroscopy) |
| Hospital stay | Day care, home the same day |
| Commonly used for | Chronic Back Pain, Sciatica |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Benefits
- No surgical incision
- Day-care procedure: home the same day
- Precise, image-guided placement
- Can be combined with rehabilitation
Before the procedure
Tell the clinic if you take blood thinners, have diabetes, an infection, or could be pregnant. You will receive specific instructions, including whether to fast and whether someone should take you home.
During the procedure
You lie on your front. After numbing the skin, the needle is guided into the sacral hiatus under X-ray and the medicine is injected. It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
After the procedure
You rest for a short time before going home, usually the same day. Mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two is common. Follow-up checks how much the procedure helped.
Risks and safety
Temporary increase in pain, short-term rise in blood sugar in people with diabetes and, rarely, headache, infection or bleeding. The doctor discusses the benefits and risks for you before you consent.
Myths and facts
Myth Injections near the spine or nerves are very painful.
Fact The skin is numbed first. Most people feel pressure and brief discomfort.
Myth One injection fixes the problem for good.
Fact The effect varies. Some people need a repeat procedure, and most benefit from exercise and follow-up as well.
| Condition | What it is | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Back Pain | Back pain that lasts longer than three months, often affecting sleep, work and movement. | A constant dull ache or episodes of sharp pain; stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting |
| Sciatica | Pain that travels from the lower back down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve. | Shooting or burning pain down one leg, often below the knee; numbness, tingling or pins and needles |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.