Cervical Epidural Steriod Injection
Epidural Steroid Injections are a Common Minimally Invasive Treatment for Neck Pain
Are you experiencing neck pain, shoulder pain, or arm pain? It could be due to a pinched nerve in the cervical spine. We offer a solution: the cervical epidural steroid injection. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid medication and anesthetic into the cervical epidural space, which is the area around the spinal cord in the neck. The injection reduces inflammation and swelling around the pinched nerve(s), providing relief from pain and other symptoms.
Before the procedure, you will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that could interfere with the procedure. You will then be positioned on your stomach on an examination table, with your neck extended over a small pillow. The skin on your neck will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution, and a drape will be placed over your neck to create a sterile field.
Using a special needle, our experienced healthcare provider, Dr. Chad Stephens, will carefully inject the corticosteroid medication and anesthetic into the cervical epidural space. You may feel a slight pressure during the injection, but the procedure should not be painful. After the injection, the needle will be removed and the injection site will be covered with a small adhesive bandage. You will be monitored for a short period of time to ensure that you are stable before being released to go home.
Immediately after the procedure, you may feel some mild discomfort at the injection site. You may also experience some numbness or tingling in your neck, shoulders, and arms, but these sensations should resolve within a few hours. You should be able to return to your normal activities the same day, but you should avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours.
It may take several days or even a week for the full effects of the injection to be felt. The corticosteroid medication can take time to work and may not provide immediate relief. However, most people experience significant pain relief within a few days of the procedure.
Cervical epidural steroid injections are generally considered safe when performed by experienced healthcare providers. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, allergic reactions, and increased pain.
If you are interested in learning more about the cervical epidural steroid injection and how it can help improve your quality of life, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. Don’t let neck, shoulder, and arm pain hold you back any longer. Contact us today to learn more and make an appointment.