A cervical epidural steroid injection is a treatment for pain in your neck, shoulders, and arms caused by irritated or compressed nerves in your cervical spine. It involves injecting a corticosteroid medication, sometimes combined with a local anesthetic, directly into the epidural space in your neck. This area is packed with nerves, and the medication helps decrease inflammation around these nerves, significantly reducing or even eliminating pain.
If you suffer from chronic neck pain, arm pain, or have been diagnosed with conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, you might be a candidate. These conditions often cause inflammation that presses on your nerves, leading to discomfort or significant pain. Our experienced team will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine if this procedure could benefit you.
Cervical epidural steroid injections are a safe and effective treatment, offering benefits including:
Our team at CPSS prioritizes your comfort and well-being. Here’s what you can expect:
Following your injection, we recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day. Most patients return to their normal activities the following day. We’ll provide personalized instructions for care at home and schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your progress and discuss additional care or therapies if needed.
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, but they are relatively rare. These might include temporary soreness, bleeding, infection, or more serious complications. Our team is dedicated to the highest safety standards and will discuss these aspects with you in detail.
Purpose: This procedure is primarily conducted to relieve pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms caused by pinched nerves or other conditions affecting the cervical spine.
Procedure Type: It is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease in the cervical area.
Duration: Generally, the procedure is swift, taking only about 15-30 minutes, plus recovery time.
Anesthesia: Patients receive local anesthesia to numb the injection area, reducing discomfort. Sedation might be available for those who are anxious about the procedure.
Technique: The injection is carefully administered into the epidural space of the cervical area, often under fluoroscopic (real-time X-ray) guidance to ensure precise placement of the steroid medication.
Medication Used: A corticosteroid, often combined with a local anesthetic, is injected to reduce inflammation and pain. These medications provide temporary relief, giving the body a chance to heal itself.
Recovery Time: Most patients can leave shortly after the procedure, typically within an hour, though they should avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours. Full recovery usually happens within a few days.
Effectiveness: Many patients experience substantial pain relief after one injection, which may last from a week to several months. The effectiveness varies depending on the individual condition and the underlying causes of the pain.
Repeat Injections: If needed and deemed safe, the procedure may be repeated up to three times a year. However, the exact number depends on the patient’s response and the recommendation of the physician.
Risks and Side Effects: While generally safe, potential risks include bleeding, infection, headaches, or discomfort at the injection point. Rare complications might involve nerve damage or adverse reactions to the medications used.
Considerations: This procedure is not recommended for everyone. Patients with infections, those with bleeding disorders, or those who are pregnant should inform their physician to assess the safety of the procedure.
Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled after the injection to monitor the patient’s response to the treatment and to plan further care or interventions if the pain persists.