Steroid Injections

Caudal steroid injection targets the lowest part of the epidural space in your back, and helps relieve pain caused by sciatica, herniated discs or bone spurs.

What are steroid injections? 

Steroid injections are man-made drugs very similar to cortisol, a hormone your body makes in your adrenal glands. “Steroid” is short for corticosteroid, which is different from the hormone-related steroid compounds that some athletes use. You may hear them called cortisone injections, cortisone shots, steroid shots, or corticosteroid injections. Steroids ease inflammation and slow your immune system. They can treat many kinds of inflammatory conditions.

How Are Steroids Given?

Steroid drugs come in several forms that differ in how easily they dissolve or how long they stay in your body. Your doctor may give you steroids throughout your entire body (called systemically) or only in an affected area (called locally).

You might get systemic steroids:

• Through a vein (intravenously, or IV)

• Into a muscle (intramuscularly)

• By mouth (orally)

Why Are Steroids Injected?

When your doctor injects steroids, they can deliver a high dose of medication directly to an inflamed area. Oral or IV steroids don’t guarantee how much of the medication will reach the problem area.

Steroid injections are one of the most effective ways to ease pain, but they aren’t a cure for the problem.

How Long Do Steroid Injections Last?

Pain relief from a steroid shot is different for each person. It usually starts to work within 24 to 48 hours. The effect can last several weeks or more. 

What Are the Benefits of Steroid Injections?

Local steroid injections are less likely to cause serious side effects than other forms of steroid medications.

Steroid injections often ease inflammation in a joint so it can work better. They may keep you from needing to use oral steroids or higher doses of oral steroids, which could have stronger side effects.