A cervical epidural steroid injection (cervical ESI) is a steroid injection that goes into the epidural space around the spinal nerves in your neck. The purpose of these injections is to help manage chronic pain caused by inflammation of the spinal nerve roots. Typically, it’s an injury or illness that causes this area to flare up, leading to pain that radiates from the neck to the shoulders, arms and/or hands.

If you’ve currently been experiencing pain and discomfort in your neck, it’s possible that a cervical ESI will help. Schedule an appointment with Jersey Rehab to speak with one of our pain management specialists.

How Does a Cervical ESI Provide Pain Relief?

Cervical epidural steroid injections are intended to treat pain caused by conditions that create inflammation in one or more of the cervical nerve roots. When a nerve in the neck gets compressed or inflamed, it can branch off into the spinal cord and leave the spine traveling down to the arm and hand. Without treatment, this type of pain can lead to neurological defects like numbness and weakness.

Some of the most common conditions associated with this type of pain are:

• Cervical herniated disc
• Cervical degenerative disc disease
• Cervical osteoarthritis
• Cervical spinal stenosis

When done by a qualified pain medicine doctor, a cervical ESI delivers steroid medication, usually cortisone or corticosteroid, directly into the spine that surrounds the affected area. This way, the medicine can reach the affected nerve roots, reducing inflammation, pain, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling.

How Well Do Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections Work?

Cervical ESIs are intended to reduce pain and inflammation in the short term so that you can continue a physical therapy or exercise program. By continuing these programs, you can strengthen the muscles and recover from the injury or illness.

Studies have estimated that 40% to 84% of patients receiving cervical ESIs have at least partial relief. Not everyone has pain relief from these injections, however, but many do. And since this procedure is low-risk when performed by a qualified pain management specialist, it may be worth trying to relieve your symptoms.

Schedule a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection

Jersey Rehab specializes in pain management for cervical conditions. We recommend cervical ESIs for patients who need to continue a rehabilitation program but are still experiencing symptoms in their neck, shoulders, arms and/or hands. Everything is done in the office for your comfort and convenience. Book your appointment today.