Cervical Steroid Injections
Overview of Treatment
Cervical steroid injections provide temporary pain relief for those living with chronic neck or back pain. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure reduces inflammation around the spinal nerves and is a non-surgical procedure with a short rehabilitation period. At The Pain Experts of Arizona epidural steroid injection patients are typically able to return to work the day after their injection. Epidural steroid injections are included among the comprehensive array of pain-relief strategies available to patients at The Pain Experts of Arizona. Our experts encourage you to schedule a consultation to plan a path toward eliminating or reducing your pain.
How do epidural steroid injections work?
Cervical epidural steroid injections alleviate pain and inflammation in the cervical spine by suppressing the immune system’s response. The duration of the injection’s pain relief varies depending on the patient and the condition treated. Some report permanent pain relief, while others report only several weeks of pain relief. For some living with chronic pain in the middle of their spine, these injections may become part of their treatment regimen.
This procedure is a common treatment option for those living with severe neck pain accompanied by pain, numbness, weakness, or altered sensations in the arms, shoulders, or scapula. It is also one of the most effective treatments for cervical radiculitis and other sources of chronic neck pain.
During the procedure, a healthcare professional will inject cortisone into the epidural space in your spine. The epidural space is the area between the dura mater and the vertebral wall at the bottom of your spine. It contains fat, veins, arteries, spinal nerve roots, and lymphatics. Steroid injections into the epidural space can help alleviate pain in your cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine, depending on where the healthcare professional injects the steroids.
Conditions treated
A cervical epidural steroid injection treats pain in the cervical spine caused by:
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Radiculitis
- Radiculopathy
- Spondylosis
Benefits
- Pain relief
- Regaining mobility in the cervical spine
- Short recovery period compared to surgery
Risks
While epidural steroid injections are generally safe procedures, there is always a risk associated with it. Your doctor has weighed the risk against the benefits to determine this procedure is right for you. If you have any concerns related to the procedure’s risks, talk to your doctor.
Common side effects of steroid injections include:
- Elevated blood sugar
- Facial flushing
- Insomnia
- Lightheadedness
- Mood swings
- Water retention
- Weight gain
Major complications occur in less than one percent of epidural steroid injections and may include:
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia or steroids
- Bleeding
- Headache from accidentally inserting needle into the spinal cord
- Infection
- Nerve damage
At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our board-certified pain experts know the proper procedures to minimize these risks and improve your chances for a positive outcome. That’s why it’s important to choose highly trained experts for these delicate procedures.
Procedure
Before a cervical steroid injection Arizona healthcare providers may ask you to change your medication schedule, especially if you take blood thinners or immunosuppressant mediation. This can help reduce your risk of complications, such as infection. Inform your doctor of any past issues with contrast dye, allergies to medications, or complications arising from anesthesia. Tell your doctor about any medication you take, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, supplements, and prescription medication. Inform them of any medical conditions, even if you are still in the diagnosis process for one, and if you are or suspect you are pregnant. Your complete medical history will help your medical professional create an effective, educated decision regarding your treatment plan.
On the day of your procedure, your healthcare professional may tell you not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the procedure. If you experience any cold or flu symptoms, contact your doctor, as you may need to reschedule your injection.
The entire epidural steroid injection process lasts approximately fifteen to thirty minutes. Your healthcare provider performing the procedure will ask you to lie on the table on your stomach or side before administering a local anesthetic to the skin surrounding your epidural space. You may receive anesthesia via an IV, depending on your pain tolerance. Using x-ray guidance and contrast dye, the medical professional will then insert the needle into the epidural space of the spinal canal before injecting the cortisone steroid solution.
After the procedure, you will remain in an observation room for about thirty minutes to an hour to ensure there are no immediate reactions to the medication.
Recovery
Once discharged, you should rest for the remainder of the day. You can typically return to normal activities the next day, but your healthcare provider will provide you with specific instructions. You should have someone else drive you home.
You may notice an increase in back pain at the site of the injection over the next two to three days. This is completely normal and will dissipate within a few days. If the pain becomes unbearable, you can place an ice pack over the injection site or take over-the-counter pain relievers. You may feel numbness in your arms, but it will go away within a few hours.
The majority of patients undergoing this procedure report experiencing at least partial pain relief. Some feel pain relief immediately following the procedure, while others’ pain relief began about a week afterward. If you have not felt any pain relief or experienced a drastic increase in pain after two weeks, contact your medical professional.
Results
Studies have shown that up to 84 percent of patients receiving a cervical epidural steroid injection achieved at least partial pain relief. If an injection improves your condition, you can receive another injection at a future date determined by your doctor.
The goal of epidural steroid injection is to provide sufficient short-term pain relief to allow you to begin or continue an exercise program. Strengthening exercises may then provide long-term pain relief by supporting and stabilizing your spine.
Insurance
Your medical insurance may pay for all or part of your steroid injections. Your doctor and medical team will help you with needed paperwork to determine your eligibility for insurance benefits.
Schedule your consultation for neck injections at The Pain Experts of Arizona
Cervical epidural steroid injections should only be prescribed and administered by highly trained medical professionals. The injections can in many cases be a powerful tool in the treatment of severe and persistent neck pain.
The Pain Experts of Arizona stand ready to help you resume the life you love.
