Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections for Symptomatic Disc Herniations

Abstract

Cervical epidural injections are a reasonable part of the nonoperative treatment of patients with symptomatic cervical disc herniations. The success rates appear to be very similar to prior studies of lumbar epidural injections for symptomatic lumbar disc herniations. It appears that a large percentage of the patients may obtain relief from radicular symptoms and avoid surgery for the follow-up period up to 1 year. In addition, patients older than 50 years and those who received the injections earlier, less than 100 days from diagnosis, seemed to have a more favorable outcome.

Safety and Efficacy of CT-Guided Transforaminal Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections Using a Posterior Approach

“…5,6 Prospective and retrospective studies have been completed with limited patient enrollment, 7,8 widely varying results, and varying time periods of followup. 4,[9][10][11][12][13] Although studies have been completed that attempted to link successful outcomes to findings on cross-sectional imaging, 14 EMG findings, 7 or diagnostic root blocks, 7 most patients are referred for therapeutic cervical epidural injections with a variety of clinical, radiographic, and electrophysiologic data.…”

Immediate Pain Response Does Not Predict Long-Term Outcome of CT-Guided Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections

“…1,[3][4][5]8 Patients are typically assessed immediately after epidural injections whether the procedure is completed by means of the CT-guided or fluoroscopic-guided approach. As clinicians, we often encourage our patients that improvement immediately after the procedure brings hope of long-term relief.…”

“…maging-guided cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections have been shown to decrease verbal numerical pain scores [1][2][3][4][5] and improve functionality as measured by the Roland Morris Disability Index. 6 These injections are often administered in combination with local anesthetic to establish whether the patient gets immediate pain relief, suggestive that the correct site is being targeted for the steroid injection.…”

Clinical Effect of Acupuncture on Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy: Results of a Case Series

“…However, many patients with CSR have severe symptoms affecting their daily life and also their social life. [3][4][5][6] It is therefore desirable to establish alternative conservative therapies that will also be effective in these cases.…”