CERVICAL EPIDURAL INJECTION

This injection relieves pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms caused by a pinched nerve in the cervical spine. Conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis can compress nerves, causing inflammation and pain. The medication injected helps decrease the swelling of nerves.

Anesthesia (Local and Sedation)

The procedure is performed with the patient lying face down. Intravenous sedation may be administered. The skin and tissue of the neck are numbed with a local anesthetic delivered through a small needle.

Needle Inserted

Using flouroscopic (x-ray) guidance the physician guides a special epidural needle close to the painful area of the neck. The needle is inserted into the epidural space, which is the region through which spinal nerves travel.

Contrast Dye Injected

Contrast dye is injected into the space to make sure the needle is properly positioned near the irritated nerve or nerves.

Steroid Injected

A combination of an anesthetic and cortisone (steroid) solution is injected into the epidural space. The steroid is an anti-inflammatory medication that is absorbed by the inflamed nerves to decreases swelling and relieves pain and pressure.

End of Procedure

The needle is removed and a small band aid is applied. The patient goes to a recovery room and is given food and drink and discharged with post treatment instructions. Some patients may need only one injection, but it may take two or three injections to provide significant pain relief.