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Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections
This procedure is used to treat
swollen and inflamed spinal nerve roots often referred to as a "pinched
nerve." The spinal nerves come from the spinal cord and exit the backbone to
provide sensation to different parts of the body. Occasionally something
rubs or irritates these nerves where they exit the backbone causing them to
be swollen and inflamed. The source of irritation may be a ruptured,
herniated, or bulging disc.
Another source may be Spinal Stenosis, where
arthritis of the spine, bone growth, or hardening of the ligaments begins to
close the openings in the spine through which these nerves exit. Common
problems associated with this inflammation of the spinal nerves in the neck
or cervical spine include:
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Pain in the neck or shoulders
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Pain down one or both arms
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Numbness or tingling of your shoulders, arms, or hands
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Weakness in one or both shoulders, arms, or hands
Your symptoms may include some or all of the above problems. Your physician
may treat these symptoms with oral medications and/or physical therapy or
exercise. Another method for treating this condition is called an EPIDURAL
STEROID INJECTION. This technique involves an injection of a steroid into an
area in the back of your neck called the epidural space. The epidural space
extends through the spinal canal from your head to your tailbone.
The spinal
nerves pass through the epidural space and are therefore bathed in this
steroid (a solution of anti-inflammatory medicine). After the procedure you
will be asked to reduce your activities at home for 24 to 48 hours to allow
the medicine a chance to do its work. Within a few days after the injection,
the medicine should reduce the swelling and inflammation of these nerves and
thereby reduce your symptoms.
You will probably be asked to return two weeks after your first injection.
If all of your pain or numbness has been relieved, you will not need another
shot at that time. Most often, however, the first injection will relieve
most, but not all of your pain or numbness. At that time (2 weeks after the
first injection) your doctor may suggest a second EPIDURAL STEROID
INJECTION. Occasionally you may require a third injection two weeks after
the second one. After a series of three injections, you have reached the
maximal effect of the cortisone.
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