How long do cervical epidural injections last?
Before the steroid starts to work, your neck, shoulder, or arm may be sore for a few days. These injections don’t always work. When they do, it takes 1 to 5 days. The pain relief can last for several days to a few months or longer.
Is a cervical epidural injection painful?
Once the needle is properly positioned, your doctor will inject a cortisone steroid solution into the epidural space to bathe the inflamed nerve root(s). Some people may notice tenderness at the injection site for a few hours after the procedure.
How is a cervical epidural done?
With a cervical epidural injection, the procedure is performed with the patient laying face down. An area of skin and tissue above the injection site is injected with a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, a larger needle is inserted.
What medication is in a cervical epidural?
Cervical epidural cortisone injections are a mixture of anesthetic and steroid. Cortisone (a type of steroid) is a very powerful anti-inflammatory medication.
What happens if cervical epidural doesn’t work?
Back surgery is rare, but some patients may face a surgical option if all other conventional treatments have failed. Some alternative treatments offer to treat conditions to the point where surgery is no longer necessary, such as Regenerative Medicine therapy.
Why is pain worse after cervical epidural steroid injection?
Increased neuropathic pain after cervical epidural steroid injection may result from either a direct nerve root irritation caused by the steroid solution or nerve root injury. Direct nerve root irritation by steroid injection is most probable cause in the midline interlaminar approach.
What are the side effects of an epidural steroid injection in the neck?
Possible Side Effects of Epidural Steroid Injections
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Fainting due to anxiety from the procedure causing a sudden decrease in heart rate and blood pressure (vasovagal attack)
- Flushing of the face (redness and a feeling of warmth)