An epidural steroid injection is an invasive procedure that places the medicine in the epidural space. This process helps in the reduction of inflammation of the nerve roots which minimizes the pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms. The medicine is delivered to the epidural space. The epidural space is the space surrounding the dura. The objective is to reduce pain so that the patient can resume doing normal activities.
Conditions in which cervical epidural steroid be used
A person having pain in the neck, low back, shoulder, can use a cervical epidural steroid. The Pain Relief Center can help you in the treatment of back pain. Some of the conditions in which the cervical epidural steroid be used are listed below:
- Spinal stenosis: When the spinal canal and nerve root canal starts narrowing, you may feel pain in the back and leg while walking.
- Herniated disc: People may notice pain and swelling when a gel-like material in the disc squeezes out and comes in contact with the spinal nerve.
- Spondylolisthesis: If a person suffers a fracture in the upper and lower facets of the vertebra, the vertebra slips from its place and comes in contact with the nerve roots which can cause pain.
Procedure to use cervical epidural steroid
It is a quick and simple procedure. It is done by injecting the steroid in the epidural space around the nerve root.
- The physician uses a syringe to deliver the steroid in the epidural space.
- The doctor deposits small amounts of the steroids around the spinal nerve causing pain.
- The physicians use a tool called fluoroscope to see the local anatomy during the process of injecting the steroid.
- The epidural steroid deals with only the inflamed area of the nerve root.
- These injections minimize the exposure of steroids to other parts of the body.
- Once the steroid is injected, the patient may feel the reduction in pain within 10 days of the epidural injection.