Cervical Epidural Injection: Your Experience

For certain types of neck pain, your doctor may suggest a cervical epidural injection. During this procedure, medicine is injected deep into your neck near your spine. The injection helps the doctor find the source of your pain. It can also help relieve your pain and soreness either temporarily or more permanently. However, it can be associated with serious complications.

The injection can be done in your doctor's office, but it is sometimes done in a hospital or surgery center. You’ll be asked to fill out some forms, including a consent form. You may also be examined.

The 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 (irritated and swollen). An inflamed nerve in your neck may cause neck pain, numbness, or weakness that may also be felt in your head or arms.

Getting ready for your treatment

• At least a week before the block, tell your provider what medicines you take (including aspirin or other blood thinners). Ask whether you should stop taking any of them before treatment.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or allergic to any medicines.

• Stop eating or drinking 6 hours before you check in for your injection.

• If asked, bring X-rays, MRIs, or other tests with you to your treatment.

• Have someone with you who can drive you home.  You will not be able to drive home after the procedure.

Reasons your procedure can be cancelled

You may be asked to reschedule your appointment if:

• you are bleeding or have bleeding problems

• if there is an infection at the injection site

• if you have fever, the flu, a cold, or other infections

• if you are pregnant

• if you are on antibiotics

• if you ate or drank something before your procedure

• if you do not have someone to drive you home

• if your blood pressure is low and not controlled

• if you did not stop taking omega 3 supplements, Vitamin E, or fish oil 7 days before the procedure, or blood prescription blood thinner per office policy 

After the procedure

You will go to a recovery room on a stretcher. You will continue to lie down for 10-15 minutes.  The health care team will check your blood pressure and pulse. You will be asked to describe any changes in your pain before you leave.

Severe Headache

• Lay down & drink fluids, caffeine if pcp allows you to do so.
• Slowly get up

After you leave:

• Take it easy for the rest of the day. You can return to your normal activities the day after the procedure.

• You may have numbness in your stomach, chest and legs. You may also feel dizzy. This is normal and may last up to 6 hours after the procedure.

• You may have muscle weakness in your arms or legs.  This is normal and may last up to 6 hours after the procedure.

• The injection sites may be sore for a day or so. Put ice or heat on the treated sites as instructed by your health care provider.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your provider right away if you have:

• Fever

• Nausea

• Severe headaches

• Increased arm weakness or numbness

• Problems swallowing

• Severe increase in pain