Cervical Steroid Injections
Our primary goal is to relieve patient’s pain, while taking the least invasive route. Often times when someone has neck pain, it is best to start with Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections. Cervical Epidural Steroid injections are often used to relieve pain in the neck, arms and shoulders. Neck pain is often caused by conditions like herniated discs, bulging discs, arthritis and spinal stenosis, which can cause compression and pinched nerves. To relieve pain associated with these, we often times recommend getting a series of three injections
What exactly is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a medical procedure that involves the administration of a strong anti-inflammatory into a small space in your back or neck. Epidural steroid treatment usually involves a series of three injections, administered two weeks apart. This treatment may bring relief to patients who suffer from pain caused by local inflammation, bulging discs, arthritis or degenerative disk disease.
The doctor will use x-rays during the procedure to assure proper placement of the needle for your injection. After determining the best location for your injection with x-rays, the doctor injects a numbing medicine into the skin in the area where you will get the epidural shot. Then he or she puts a needle into the numbed area and uses further x-ray images to guide the needle into the epidural space. The medication is then injected around the nerves, disks and deep structures of the back.
The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes
- ESIs may help with pain, tingling, and numbness caused by nerve problems in your back or neck. Some people get a series of these shots over weeks or months.
- The full effect of an ESI may take 1 to 5 days. Sometimes multiple injections are needed before benefits are felt. Of course, like any treatment some patients do not get relief from ESIs and require other treatments.
What to expect after your injection?
After your injection patients are normally able to resume normal activity return to their daily routine.
Some people are dizzy, feel sick to their stomach or anxious after getting an ESI. These symptoms usually do not last very long. If you have a severe headache, it could be a sign of a spinal fluid leak. Call your doctor if you have a headache after having an ESI.
If your pain is better, you may be able to continue your normal activities or physical therapy. But try not to overdo it, even if your pain has improved a lot. If your pain is only slightly reduced, or if it returns, your doctor may recommend another ESI in a few weeks. If your pain has not changed, talk to your doctor about other treatment choices.
Check out this video to find out more about the procedure from our very own specialist or check out our page dedicated to Frequently Asked Questions about ESI.