Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
Neck pain is all too common among patients of any age, and its causes are numerous. Whether your neck pain is the result of whiplash from a car accident, or due to a sports injury or pinched nerve, a cervical epidural steroid injection could reduce your neck pain. Read on for more information about this procedure and when it can be a beneficial treatment option.
Cervical Steroid Injection Procedure
A cervical steroid injection is a simple procedure, typically performed on an outpatient basis. The patient lies face down and local anesthesia is applied to the insertion area. The epidural needle is inserted into the neck and guided to the appropriate nerve root using an X-ray. Once the nerve root is reached, the steroids are injected near the roots of the spinal nerves to decrease inflammation and pain.
Conditions Treated
Cervical epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat:
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Cervical disc bulge/herniation
- Whiplash
- Pinched spinal nerves
These are just a few of the more common injuries and conditions that an epidural steroid injection can help treat. Steroid injections are a less invasive alternative to neck surgery. Patients often report pain relief for several months after an injection. If the pain returns, you may need to return for subsequent injections or further evaluation.
Neck Pain Relief in Minnesota
Neck pain is a complicated beast. There are a vast array of potential causes and treatment options. Once the direct cause of your neck pain has been determined, you can begin weighing your treatment options. A pain management physician can walk you through this process and offer recommendations and insights based on your injury, condition and medical history. If you are living with neck pain, take action to get back to a pain-free life. Make an appointment with Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of Minnesota today.