What is a cervical epidural steroid injection?
A cervical epidural steroid injection is a shot of medicine into the area around the spinal cord in your neck. You may get it to help with pain, tingling, or numbness in your neck, shoulder, or arm. It may have a steroid to reduce swelling and pain and a local anesthetic to numb the nerves.
How is a cervical epidural steroid injection done?
The doctor will use a tiny needle to numb the skin where you are getting the injection.
After the skin is numb, your doctor will use a larger needle for the epidural injection. X-ray or ultrasound may be used to help guide the needle. You may feel some pressure. But you should not feel pain.
After cervical epidural injection: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have trouble breathing.
- You are unable to move an arm or a leg at all.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse symptoms in your arms, legs, chest, belly, or buttocks. Symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling.
- Weakness.
- Pain.
- You lose bladder or bowel control.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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