What is Cervical Epidural Therapy?
This injection treats the pain of an inflamed nerve in your cervical spine. It relieves nerve swelling. If you have a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or some other problem that’s pressing on a nerve, it may help you.
How Does It Work?
The process of a cervical epidural steroid injection involves:
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Patient Preparation: The patient is positioned appropriately on an examination table.
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Local Anesthesia: The neck area is numbed with a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort.
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Guided Needle Insertion: Using fluoroscopic guidance, a thin needle is inserted into the cervical epidural space.
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Contrast Dye Confirmation: A contrast dye may be injected to verify correct needle placement.
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Steroid Injection: A mixture of corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic is injected into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
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Needle Removal and Bandage: The needle is removed, and a small bandage may be applied.
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Recovery: Patients are observed briefly and can typically go home the same day. Pain relief duration varies among individuals. Multiple injections may be needed as part of a pain management plan.
What Conditions Can It Treat?
Cervical epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat a range of conditions that cause neck and upper extremity pain. These conditions include:
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Cervical Herniated Disc: When the soft inner core of a disc in the cervical spine protrudes or leaks, it can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, weakness, or numbness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
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Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or pinched, leading to pain, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the arms or hands.
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Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, which can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, resulting in neck pain and neurological symptoms in the upper extremities.
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Cervical Spondylosis: Also known as neck arthritis, this condition involves the degeneration of cervical spine discs and joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the neck.
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Whiplash Injuries: Traumatic injuries to the neck, such as those sustained in car accidents, can cause whiplash, resulting in neck pain and muscle spasms.
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Postherpetic Neuralgia: This is a complication of shingles (herpes zoster) that can cause persistent nerve pain in the neck and upper body.
How It Can Alleviate Pain
Cervical epidural steroid injections can alleviate pain by reducing inflammation in the cervical spine and numbing the affected nerve roots, providing both immediate and prolonged relief from conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy. This dual-action approach helps improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall quality of life for individuals suffering from neck and upper extremity pain.
Getting Cervical Epidural Therapy
Finding a Qualified Pain Management Specialist in Charlotte
To achieve effective pain management and relief, it’s crucial to find a qualified pain management specialist. In Charlotte, Southern Pain and Spine Specialist offers a team of experienced interventional pain management experts who are skilled in a range of state-of-the-art treatments, including epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency ablation, and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
These minimally invasive procedures target chronic pain conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica, providing relief by reducing inflammation and interrupting pain signals. With a patient-centric approach, our specialists tailor treatment plans to individual needs, often incorporating physical therapy and regenerative medicine techniques. To embark on a journey toward pain relief and improved range of motion, individuals can easily schedule an appointment with us.
Scheduling a Consultation
Scheduling a consultation with us is easy and convenient. You can reach our hotline at 833-704-7246 during our regular office hours, which are from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. We also offer Saturday appointments by request
What to Expect During a Session
Preparation
To begin, you lie down. You may be given medicine to help you relax. You are numbed with an injection of local anesthetic.
Placing the needle
Next, a needle is inserted through this numbed tissue. The doctor uses a fluoroscope (a video x-ray device) to guide the needle into the epidural space. That’s the space around your inflamed nerve. The doctor may inject contrast dye to make sure the needle is in the right place.
The Injection Process
Finally, the doctor injects the medicine. It bathes the painful nerve. It relieves pain and swelling. If you have other painful nerves, you may need more than one injection.
End of procedure
After your injection, you’ll be watched for a short time, then you can go home. To get the full benefit, you may need to come back for more injections. Your doctor will create a plan that’s right for you.