Cervical Epidural

Chronic pain can interfere with every aspect of your life. What’s worse, patients may suffer in silence for years, not knowing that relief is possible. If you’re experiencing chronic neck or cervical pain, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced pain management doctors at La Peer Health Systems to learn more about cervical epidural steroid injections.

CAUSES OF CERVICAL (NECK) PAIN

Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections (CESI) offer much-needed relief for patients experiencing the following symptoms: neck pain, arm pain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, chronic regional pain syndrome and headaches, among other conditions.

Due to inflammation of the spinal nerve roots, individuals with cervical issues often experience shooting pains in the neck or a pins-and-needles sensation in the arm. By surrounding the cervical spinal nerves, cervical epidural steroid injections reduce nerve root inflammation and hence relieve pain and discomfort.

TREATING PAIN WITH CERVICAL EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS

altIf you’re experiencing chronic cervical pain, steroid injections may offer relief lasting anywhere from one week to an entire year.

Before your CESI, a La Peer pain management specialist will administer medication through an IV to help you relax. The physician will then have you sit in a chair in a way that allows him or her to view your neck. After cleansing the neck with sterile soap, the doctor will numb the area where the injection will occur. The numbing medication may sting at first, though the sensation will not last long.

During the procedure, your pain management doctor will utilize a fluoroscope to guide the insertion of the needle into the epidural space. He or she may first inject contrast (dye) to be sure that the needle is positioned accurately. Once the correct location is identified, your doctor will inject the steroid.

After the procedure, you will spend a brief amount of time in recovery before being allowed to leave our Beverly Hills facility.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How will I feel after receiving the steroid injection?

A: Although your hands and arms may feel weak or numb for a few hours after having a CESI, most patients experience relief within a week or two.

Q: Are there risks associated with Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections?

A: CESI is a safe outpatient procedure to relieve cervical pain. However, there are a few unlikely risks. Very occasionally, CESI patients experience increased pain, headaches, infection or nerve damage.

Q: How long will my pain relief last?

A: Every patient is different. However, for most individuals, steroid injections offer relief lasting between six and eight weeks.

Q: Will I need to cease taking any medications before having CESI?

A: Tell your physician what medications you are taking before scheduling a steroid injection. In some cases, you will need to stop taking blood thinners before having the procedure.

Q: How many injections may I have in a one-year period?

A: Typically, patients may have up to three injections in one year.

CONTACT OUR PAIN MANAGEMENT DOCTORS

If you’re experiencing cervical pain, the pain management specialists at La Peer Health Systems want to help you find relief. Don’t hesitate to call our experts at 855.360.9119 or contact us online for a consultation to learn more about cervical epidural steroid injections.

Next, read about Selective Nerve Root Block.