Epidural block/ Caudal epidural block

It is the injection of drugs (local anaesthetic and/ or opiate analgesic or corticoid) in a place of your spinal, cervical, dorsal or lumbar column, which acts directly in the closest area to the spinal cord, specifically around it. This specific space is called the epidural space. This infiltration temporarily relieves inflammation or pain depending on the location of the pain: the neck, shoulders and arms, thorax and abdomen or the lumbar region, pelvis and legs.

It is lower approach of the backbone, above the gluteal groove at sacral hiatus level.

• Backache that extends to legs or arms.
• Acute/chronic radicular pain sciatic type with lumbar distribution to foot or cervical distribution to hand, caused by herniated disc, post spine surgery with persistent pain (post-laminectomy syndrome) or canal stenosis.

• The patient must be lying face down, using pillows to be as comfortable as possible. After a small dose of sedation to enhance comfort, the point to be treated is located with the aid of rays in the operating room.
• Subsequently, the area is disinfected, and local anaesthetic is infiltrated with a fine needle at the puncture point to alleviate the entrance area. Finally, the puncture and injection are performed in the precise area at epidural level under direct vision with fluoroscopic rays.

• Inform us if you are pregnant
• We will indicate if you need to suspend any medication temporarily as well as previous hours of fasting

Yes, it is necessary that someone goes with you from the clinic to your home.

• You will be able to go back home after the temporary feeling of heaviness in your leg or arm caused by the local anaesthetic disappears, after a brief period in an awakening unit. Admission to hospital is not required.
• Relative rest, normal activity, no physical exertion within 24 hours

• Pain control with very low doses of drugs, which will also reduce or eliminate any side effects you may have from previous treatments.
• The effect length ranges from months to days, with a significant pain relief and improvement in life quality life during this period during which the use of analgesic can be reduced.

After this technique you may have a temporary feeling of heat or tingling in the area of the body supplied by the injected spinal nerve, either in the arms, legs, fingers, depending on the treated area.