Are you experiencing constant, severe pain in your neck and finding no relief from traditional treatments? Unfortunately, physical therapy and over-the-counter pain medications can only go so far. If you’ve found your daily activities hindered by debilitating neck pain, it may be time to consider an epidural injection.
Epidural Injection Facts
To determine if an epidural injection is the right solution for your neck pain, take a look at the following information.
- Epidural injections are minimally invasive, low-risk procedures that inject corticosteroids into the epidural space, the region between the bone and the dura, which is the protective membrane around the spinal nerves.
- Corticosteroids are a proven effective treatment for managing pain, decreasing inflammation, and relieving pressure in the target area.
- They are commonly used by doctors for the treatment of chronic pain, as well as pain during and after surgery.
- X-ray guidance is used to ensure the needle is placed in the appropriate spot. The needle is carefully directed through the skin, between the vertebrae, and into the epidural space.
- Along with the corticosteroids, an anesthetic numbing agent is also injected into the epidural space with the intention of decreasing sensation.
- For the management of neck pain specifically, cervical epidural injections are those used most often. They can also help with pain in the upper back, shoulders, and arms.
- Patients with the following conditions are particularly inclined to benefit from cervical epidural injections:
- Cervical radiculitis – Nerve compression in the spine that results in pain radiating from the head or neck down the arm
- Cervical herniated discs – Sharp, intense pain from the neck down the arm, caused by trauma or neck injury
- Cervical spondylosis – Pain caused by aging and normal wear of the spinal disc in your neck
- Depending on how severe the pain is, more than one injection may be needed.
- Relief occurs within two to seven days, and the effects can last from weeks to years.
- Injections can be repeated over time to prolong their effects.
If your chronic neck pain is interfering with your ability to fully experience and enjoy what you love, you should examine the benefits of an epidural injection. This inexpensive, low-risk procedure has helped thousands of patients and could help you. Contact Metropolitan Institute of Pain today to start your journey back to a pain-free life.
