Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
What is it?
Overview
This injection relieves pain in the neck, shoulders,and arms caused by a pinched nerve (or nerves) inthe cervical spine. Conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or radiculopathy cancompress nerves, causing inflammation and pain.The medication injected helps decrease the swellingof nerves.
Patient Sedated
The procedure is performed with the patient lyingdown. Intravenous sedation may be administered,and a region of skin and tissue of the neck isnumbed with a local anesthetic delivered through asmall needle.
Needle Inserted
Using x-ray guidance (also called fluoroscopy), thephysician guides a larger needle to the painful areaof the neck. The needle is inserted into the epiduralspace, which is the region through which spinalnerves travel.
Steroid Injected
A combination of an anesthetic and cortisonesteroid solution is injected into the epidural space.The steroid is an anti-inflammatory medication thatis absorbed by the inflamed nerves to decreaseswelling and relieve pressure.
End of Procedure
The needle is removed and a small bandage isapplied. The patient goes to a recovery room and isgiven food and drink and discharged with posttreatment instructions. Some patients may needonly one injection, but it may take two or threeinjections (administered two weeks apart) to providesignificant pain relief.
If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, weakness of the neck, stiffness of the neck or have a spine injury, give us a call 972-250-5700 or make an appointment now.