Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
This procedure helps provide relief to the patient. Pain and discomfort in the arms, neck and shoulders brought about by a pinched nerve (or group of nerves) in the cervical spine. Medical illness like a herniated discs and spinal stenosis can place harmful pressure on the nerves which basically results to inflammation and pain from the cervical spine, radiating to the neck, shoulders and arms. The administered medication assists in managing the swelling of the nerves.
Sedated Patient
This medical procedure is done with the patient lying down on his back. Intravenous sedation is done with an area of the skin and tissue of the neck is desensitized using a local anesthesia conveyed through a small needle.
Needle Inserted
Through the use of an x-ray devise (also known as fluoroscopy), the doctor navigates a bigger needle to the affected area of the neck. The needle is then guided into the epidural space, this is the area wherein the spinal nerves traverse.
Injected Contrast Dye
Injected through the gap, the contrast dye needle securely positioned close to the inflamed nerve roots.
Injected Steroid
As medication, a fusion of both anesthetic and cortisone steroid solution is infused into the epidural space. A steroid solution is an anti-inflammatory drug that relieves swelling and inflammation. The inflamed nerves absorb it to decrease the swelling and relieve pressure on the nerves.
End of Procedure
After the procedure, the patient proceeds to the recovery room and is provided with food and drink to restore their strength prior to discharge with take home medications and post treatment instructions. Some of the patients that undergo this procedure requires only one injection. However, It will require two or three procedures (administered weeks apart) to experience significant pain relief. For others, it will require more than one injection before the pain is alleviated.