Cervical Radicular Pain
(Neck Pain)
Cervical Radiculopathy is pain from a “pinched nerve” or irritated nerve in the neck.
The pain is typically noticed in the arm, hand, or shoulder region, but on occasion can be referred to the head or neck. This condition is usually either from a disc that is pressing on the nerve, chemical irritation of a nerve or constriction of the nerve from bone spurring that can occur around the discs or joints with age.
This condition can be treated with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication and oral steroid medications. Additionally cervical epidural steroid injections can be performed to calm down the inflamed nerve with a potent anti-inflammatory at the site where the nerve is irritated.
There are two common ways to perform cervical epidural steroid injections and those are cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections and cervical interlaminar steroid injections. Ultimately, surgical correction can be conducted if these means fail or initially in more severe cases.
Pre Injections Instructions
If you are anxious about your procedure, sedation can be provided.
If you choose this option you must meet the following criteria:
01
Come to your appointment with a responsible adult driver.
02
Fast for at least 6-8 hours prior to our appointment time. Morning medications can be taken with a sip of water no later than 2 hours prior to you appointment time. Exceptions may include diabetic medications, in this case please call the office for specific instructions.
03
If you are taking blood thinners or supplements, we may ask that you discontinue them prior to your procedure. Never stop these medications without approval from the physician prescribing them.
If you are taking blood thinners your pain physician may ask they be discontinued prior to injection. Never stop these medications without permission from the physician prescribing them. Please call our office if your blood thinner is not listed:
- Acenocoumarol
- Agggrenox
- Aggrastat
- Arixtra
- Aspirin
- Brilinta
- Edoxaparin
- Effient
- Eliquis
- Heparin
- Integrilin
- Lovenox
- Pentoxil
- Plavix
- Pletal
- Pradaxa
- ReoPro
- Ticlid
- Warfarin/Coumadin
- Xarelto
If you are taking any supplements such as Fish Oil, Garlic, Ginseng, Vitamin A&E, Ginger, Kava Kava, Clove, White Willow bark, or Gingko please stop these 7 days prior to your procedure.
Start the Path Towards Healing
Our physicians offer diagnostic testing, fluoroscopic guided procedures and steroid injections. Our goal is to restore function of damaged joints, nerves, and muscles to treat low back, neck, and other pain. Our mission is to have all patients living their lives with minimal pain and to meet each of our patients’ needs with the highest quality care. We offer innovative solutions utilizing the latest, minimally invasive technologies.