If persistent neck pain is making it hard to turn your head, sleep, or make it through your workday, you have options. If rest or over-the-counter medication does not provide lasting relief, a cervical epidural steroid injection may offer an alternative.
Our spine specialist in New York explains how cervical epidural steroid injections relieve neck pain and what to consider.
What Is a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection?
Neck pain is the fourth-leading cause of disability in the United States. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study in 2021, neck pain affected approximately 203 million people worldwide. A cervical epidural steroid injection places anti-inflammatory corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space, which surrounds your spinal cord with fat, spinal nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When nerve roots in your cervical spine become irritated, they produce pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in your shoulders, arms, and hands. Corticosteroids coat these inflamed nerves, relieving the symptoms.
How Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections Reduce Neck Pain
According to Physiopedia’s Epidemiology of Neck Pain, the annual prevalence of neck pain ranges from 30% to 50%, making it a fairly common musculoskeletal condition. Despite its prevalence, the cause of the discomfort determines how cervical epidural steroid injections reduce neck pain. For instance, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and bone spurs may compress your cervical spine’s nerves, and the resulting inflammation is a direct driver of your symptoms.
During the injection procedure, the physician uses fluoroscopy to accurately place the corticosteroid into the inflamed nerve roots. Relief typically begins within two to seven days.
Benefits of Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections
As a non-surgical treatment for chronic neck pain with epidural injections, a cervical ESI can offer several key benefits:
- Targeted relief: The medication goes directly to the source of inflammation rather than affecting your whole body, unlike oral steroids.
- Improved mobility: Reduced pain may allow you to move your head and neck more freely and participate more fully in physical therapy.
- Better daily functioning: With less pain, everyday tasks become more manageable.
Cervical ESIs may reduce the need for more invasive procedures by allowing the injured nerves time to heal.
When To Consider Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections
You may want to consider cervical epidural steroid injections for neck pain relief when conservative treatments fail or when your pain radiates from the neck into the shoulder or arm. Cervical ESIs are also a common option for patients recovering from car accidents or work-related injuries that cause herniated discs and nerve compression.
Our Spine Specialist in New York Is Here To Help
A cervical epidural steroid injection may provide meaningful relief from chronic neck pain caused by nerve compression and inflammation. Visiting a spine specialist for neck pain can help clarify your options.
Call New York Spine Specialist today at (516) 355-0111 to schedule your evaluation. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cervical epidural steroid injections for neck pain relief, these are common questions about this treatment.
How Long Does Pain Relief Last After a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection?
The potential pain relief you feel after a cervical epidural steroid injection typically begins within the first week. The duration of relief varies depending on your underlying condition and activity levels, but may last anywhere from several days to 24 months. According to StatPearls, approximately half of patients who undergo this procedure experience at least a 50% reduction in pain lasting up to three months.
Are Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections Safe?
Medical professionals generally consider cervical epidural steroid injections to be safe when performed by a trained spine specialist, especially when using imaging guidance for precise delivery. The risks are generally minor and may include:
- Temporary soreness at the injection site
- A brief, short-term increase in pain before improvement begins
Your provider will also review the rare but possible risks with you before the procedure begins. This may include complications like infection or nerve irritation.
How Many Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections Can Your Spine Surgeon in New York Give You Per Year?
Your spine surgeon in New York will typically follow the national guidelines for this treatment, which limit patients to two to three cervical epidural steroid injections per year. Administering the medication too frequently or at elevated doses may weaken a person’s spinal bones or nearby muscles. It’s important to assess your imaging, symptoms, and overall health when building a treatment plan that upholds the guidelines while delivering what you need.