Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
A cervical epidural steroid Injection is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that treats the pain of an inflamed nerve in your neck (cervical spine). This pain can be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or some other problem that is putting pressure on a nerve. It relieves the nerve swelling which is the cause of pain.
The Procedure
The patient lies face down and x-rays are taken to locate the precise area where the inflammation is occurring. Medication is administered with a tiny needle to numb the area. Under x-ray guidance, a needle is positioned in the epidural space. Contrast dye is used to verify correct placement.
The steroid medication is then injected into the epidural space. The medication spreads around the spinal nerves that are causing your pain and the needle is removed.
Risks
The risks of the procedure are bleeding, infection, and damage/irritation to nerves. These are mitigated by ensuring the patient is not on blood thinners and has received permission to stop them, there are no active infections, and the procedure is performed in a sterile manner by an experienced fellowship-trained physician under x-ray guidance for precision needle placement.
Results
It can take up to two weeks to receive the full benefit of the procedure. Depending on the condition and length of time the symptoms have been present, the benefits can last 3 months or much longer. The procedure can be repeated up to 4 times a year.