Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections

What Are Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections?

Cervical epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive treatment that targets pain in the upper spine and neck. When neck pain becomes persistent or severe, it can prevent you from working, exercising, and enjoying daily activities.

This procedure delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal nerves. By reducing swelling and irritation, it can relieve pain and improve mobility, often without the need for surgery.

At Axis Pain and Sports Management, Dr. Yakub Abrakhimov, MD—a board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist—uses advanced, image-guided techniques to perform these injections safely and effectively.

Why Choose an Epidural Steroid Injection for Neck Pain?

Your cervical spine is a complex structure made up of vertebrae, discs, nerves, and joints. When one of these elements is damaged or inflamed, it can result in pain, stiffness, and radiating symptoms into the shoulders and arms.

Cervical epidural steroid injections are commonly recommended for conditions such as:

• Herniated or bulging discs
  
• Radiculopathy (nerve root irritation)
  
• Spinal stenosis
  
• Degenerative disc disease
  
• Spondylolisthesis
  
• Osteoarthritis
  
• Failed back surgery
  
• Synovial cysts or bone spurs (osteophytes)
  

In some cases, Dr. Abrakhimov may combine epidural injections with other interventional techniques such as nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.

What Happens During the Procedure?

• You will lie comfortably face down on a procedure table.
  
• A numbing solution is applied to the skin.
  
• Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray imaging), Dr. Abrakhimov guides a thin needle into the epidural space with pinpoint accuracy.
  
• A contrast dye confirms correct placement before the medication is delivered.
  

The entire process typically takes 10–15 minutes. Because it is an outpatient procedure performed with local anesthesia, you can return home the same day.

What to Expect After the Injection

• Mild soreness at the injection site can be eased with an ice pack.
  
• Avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day.
  
• Most patients experience significant pain relief within 1–3 days.
  
• Physical therapy is often recommended afterward to strengthen and stabilize the spine for long-term results.