How effective are epidurals for neck pain?
Efficacy of cervical epidural steroid injections Studies have estimated that 40% to 84% of patients receiving a cervical epidural steroid injection experienced at least partial relief. It is important to note that a cervical epidural steroid injection may not provide relief for some people.
How long does a cervical epidural steroid injection last?
The steroid medicine in the injection should start to help your pain in 1 to 5 days. Steroids don’t always work. When they do work, the pain relief can last for several days to a few months or longer. Your injection may also have included a numbing medicine that works right away for a short time.
What if a cervical epidural doesn’t work?
Doctors can often recommend other options that may relieve pain, though these can be dangerous too – they may prescribe opioids, a highly addictive pain medication, for example. Back surgery is rare, but some patients may face a surgical option if all other conventional treatments have failed.
What should you not do after an epidural steroid injection?
Do not drive within 12 hours of receiving your epidural injection. Do not apply heat right to the injection site for at least three days following the epidural. This includes steam rooms, saunas, and hot packs, but your regular shower is safe.
Can you go back to work after epidural steroid injection?
This letter is to answer the most common questions and concerns of patients after an epidural steroid injection. You may resume normal activity as your comfort level allows, but do not engage in any strenuous activity for the first 24 hours after the procedure. You can return to work 24 hours after your procedure.
Why is pain worse after cervical epidural steroid injection?
Increased neuropathic pain after cervical epidural steroid injection may result from either a direct nerve root irritation caused by the steroid solution or nerve root injury. Direct nerve root irritation by steroid injection is most probable cause in the midline interlaminar approach.
How do you prepare for a cervical epidural?
How do you prepare for the procedure?
- Be sure you have someone to take you home.
- Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your procedure.
What to expect after a cervical epidural injection?
You will likely feel pain relief after the procedure because of the anesthetic used before the cervical epidural. After the numbing wears off, it is common to experience soreness around the site of the injection for up to three days after the procedure.
What are the side effects of cervical steroid injection?
Possible side effects associated with cervical steroid injections include: Direct trauma to the nerve tissue from the injection needle, resulting in nerve damage. Bleeding (common among bleeding disorder patients) Infection. Dural puncture from the injection needle.
What to expect after epidural steroid shot?
These are the side-effects that can appear after receiving epidural steroid injections: Intense pain at the site of the injection. Headaches (more frequent in case of dural puncturing; go away on their own in approximately one day) Flushing in the face and chest Can last for several days.
How long does an epidural injection take?
An epidural spinal injection is generally done on an outpatient basis, either at a doctor’s office, medical center or local hospital. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes.