What is a cervical epidural steroid injection?
This procedure is often performed to help treat and, in some cases, help find the cause of your neck pain and arm pain.  The cervical nerves travel from your neck to your arms.  Pressure or irritation of these nerves will result in neck and arm pain.  The most common reason this might occur is with a herniated disc or spinal stenosis (pinching of the nerve, which is often due to arthritis).  By using a local anesthetic and “turning off” the nerve, for a short time, we can have some idea as to the cause of your pain.  In addition, by placing a small amount of steroid onto the nerve and epidural space, we can help relieve the swelling and inflammation causing your pain.

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How is the procedure performed?
You will have an intravenous line (IV) inserted before the procedure.  A small needle will be inserted in your neck near the spine.  The needles will be inserted under fluoroscopy (a type of x-ray machine).  This helps your doctor guide the needle to its correct location.  When the needle is in the correct position, local anesthetic and steroid will be injected to temporarily “turn off” the nerve and decrease the inflammation.  The procedure is fairly short and you will be watched closely by our nurses in the recovery room after the procedure.

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What can you expect after the procedure?
After the procedure, you may notice some tingling or numbness in the neck and arm.  Your arm may be weak and difficult to control.  These symptoms usually last only a few hours and are due to the local anesthetic placed on the nerve.  It may take up to 24-36 hours until the steroid begins to relieve the inflammation and pain.  You will be asked to keep a detailed pain diary to help you keep track of the level of relief you obtain after the procedure.  You and your doctor will likely discuss this at your next visit.  You will also need someone to drive you home after the procedure and you should avoid unassisted walking or exertion while your neck and arm are numb and weak.

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What are the side effects?
Anything more than a small amount of pain, bleeding or swelling at the injection site is unusual.  Since it is possible that your ability to drive may be impaired, we ask that you have someone drive you home from the clinic.  If you develop any other problems, please call immediately (918) 742-7030 so we may recommend appropriate actions or go to the emergency room for evaluation.