Cervical Epidural Injections

For certain types of neck or arm pain, your doctor may suggest a cervical epidural injection. During this procedure, medicine (such as numbing medicine or a steroid) is injected deep into your neck into your spinal canal or near the nerve root as it exits your spine. The injection helps the doctor find the source of your pain. It can also help ease your pain and soreness, either temporarily or more permanently. In rare cases, it can cause serious complications. What are cervical vertebrae? The cervical vertebrae are the bones that support your neck and head. They form the top part of your spine. The tunnel made by these vertebrae is called the spinal canal. The spinal cord runs through the spinal canal, inside a sac called the dura. Nerves branch off the spinal cord and exit between the vertebrae. Pressure on one of these nerves may cause it to become inflamed. An inflamed nerve in your neck may cause neck pain, numbness or weakness that may also be felt in your head or arms. What is a cervical epidural injection? In certain conditions, medicine can be injected into the epidural space. This space surrounds the dura within the spinal canal. Using an anesthetic to reduce discomfort from the procedure, a needle is inserted between the bones of the neck. When the correct location is reached, the medicine is injected. The injection is usually done with the help of imaging such as fluoroscopy. Care is taken to ensure a sterile procedure to reduce the chance of infection (which is rare, but can be very serious). Possible risks and complications Infection Spinal headaches Bleeding Nerve damage Spinal cord damage Prolonged increase in pain Serious complications of various types have been reported. Complications are much more frequent if you bleed easily or are taking a medication that thins your blood. Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking a blood thinner.