Definition

The cervical spine is the part of the spine located in the neck. The spinal cord sits inside a tunnel created by the bones that make up the spine. It is also protected by a soft layer of tissue called the dura. The epidural space is the area between the tunnel and the dura layer of the spinal cord.

An epidural injection delivers medicine into the epidural space. The medicine may be an anesthetic to numb pain and a steroid to ease swelling and irritation.

Cervical Spine Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to ease:

• Pain in the neck when other methods have not helped
• Swelling around the nerves exiting the spinal cord

The injection may provide relief for up to two months. It may also help manage these problems until the reason for the pain or swelling has healed.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

• Excess bleeding
• Fluid leaking in the spinal canal
• Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
• Infection
• Nerve damage

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Smoking
• Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or heart failure

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

• Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
• Severe pain or headache
• Redness, swelling, bleeding, or discharge from the injection
• Increased arm weakness or numbness
• Problems swallowing

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.