Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection in Frisco, TX

Q: What Is the Cervical Injection Procedure Like?

The cervical epidural injection procedure involves several steps, including patient positioning, sterilization, anesthesia, needle placement, medication injection, and post-procedure monitoring.

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Cervical Injections Specialist in Frisco, TX

If you suffer from chronic neck pain, tingling, or numbness in your cervical spine, it can be difficult to do even basic tasks, like work or household chores. You may even be barred from enjoying the activities you love most. Luckily, Dr. Stephen Courtney at the Advanced Spine Center offers cervical epidural steroid injection treatments for neck pain.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Courtney brings high-quality, minimally invasive treatment options for those struggling with neck pain in the Frisco area. Cervical epidural steroid injections are a safe, effective method of pain relief for individuals experiencing neck pain or pain that radiates to the arms and hands. To schedule an appointment with us, please call today at 972-499-5457 or book an appointment online.

What Are Cervical Injections for Neck Pain Relief?

Cervical injections, specifically cervical epidural corticosteroid injections, are a medical procedure aimed at alleviating neck pain and related symptoms. They involve administering medication directly into the epidural space in the cervical (neck) region of the spine. The primary goal of a cervical epidural injection is to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, allowing individuals to regain their quality of life.

How Do Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections Work?

Cervical epidural steroid injections work by delivering a combination of corticosteroids and anesthetic agents directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck. They are highly effective forms of pain management. These medications serve two essential purposes.

Steroids: These powerful anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce swelling and inflammation around the spinal nerves in the spinal cord, which can be a significant source of neck pain.
Anesthetics: Anesthetics provide immediate pain relief by numbing the affected area, offering both diagnostic benefits and therapeutic relief.

Who Can Perform a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection in Frisco?

In Frisco, Texas, cervical epidural steroid injections are typically administered by qualified healthcare professionals specializing in pain management or interventional spine care. These professionals may include:

Pain management physicians: Physicians with expertise in pain management often have the necessary training to perform cervical injections.
Interventional radiologists: Some interventional radiologists are trained to perform cervical injections as part of their specialization in minimally invasive procedures.
Anesthesiologists: Anesthesiologists specializing in pain management may also offer cervical epidural steroid injections as part of their services.

It’s essential to ensure that the healthcare provider performing the procedure is experienced and board-certified in the field to ensure safety and efficacy. Dr. Courtney is both board-certified and fellowship-trained in orthopedic spine surgery and care with over two decades of professional experience.

When Do We Recommend Cervical Injections?

Cervical epidural injections are typically recommended when conservative treatments for neck pain, like physical therapy and pain medicine, have proven ineffective. These injections are considered when patients experience the following.

Severe or chronic neck pain: Persistent neck pain that significantly impairs daily functioning.
Radiating pain: Pain that radiates down the arm(s) or into the upper back, often accompanied by numbness or tingling.
Diagnosed spinal conditions: Conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or radiculopathy that have been identified as the source of neck pain.

Before recommending cervical injections, Dr. Courtney will conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic tests to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

What Conditions Can Cervical Injections Treat?

Cervical injections are effective in managing and treating various neck pain-related conditions, including but not limited to the following.

Cervical herniated disc: Cervical injections can alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with cervical disc herniation and degenerative disc disease.
Spinal stenosis: For patients with spinal stenosis, cervical injections can provide relief by reducing inflammation around the compressed nerve roots.
Cervical radiculopathy: Cervical radiculopathy, characterized by nerve compression in the neck, can be effectively managed with these injections.
Arthritis: Arthritis-related neck pain can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of corticosteroids used in cervical injections.
Whiplash injuries: Individuals who have suffered whiplash injuries in accidents may find relief from the chronic pain and inflammation caused by these injuries.

Cervical injections offer a versatile approach to addressing various cervical spine conditions, making them a valuable option for patients seeking relief.

Types of Cervical Injections in Frisco

For patients in the Frisco area, Dr. Courtney offers two main types of cervical epidural steroid injections. These are steroid injections and anesthetic injections.

Steroid Injections

These injections, as mentioned earlier, involve the administration of corticosteroids and anesthetic agents. They are often used to reduce inflammation and provide long-lasting relief.

Anesthetic Injections

While not as commonly used as steroid injections, anesthetic injections can provide immediate pain relief by numbing the affected area. They are sometimes used for diagnostic purposes to pinpoint the source of pain.

How to Administer a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection

Generally speaking, a cervical epidural steroid injection can be administered using one of two common techniques. These techniques include interlaminar and transforaminal approaches. The choice of injection technique depends on the patient’s condition, the location of the pain, and Dr. Courtney’s recommendation.

Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection

In this approach, the injection is administered between the laminae (bony structures) of the vertebrae in the cervical spine. This method allows for broad coverage of the epidural space and can effectively target inflammation and pain.

Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

This technique involves injecting the medication through the intervertebral foramen, a small opening through which nerve roots exit the spinal cord. Transforaminal injections are more precise and can target specific nerve roots affected by conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

How Do I Prepare for Cervical Injections?

Before undergoing cervical epidural steroid injections, patients should follow these essential preparation steps:

Consultation: Schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Courtney to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you may have.
Medication review: Inform Dr. Courtney about any medications you are currently taking, as certain medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the procedure.
Allergies: Ensure that your provider is aware of any allergies you may have, particularly to anesthesia or any components of the injected medication.
Fasting: Follow fasting instructions provided by your provider, typically requiring you to abstain from food and drink for several hours before the procedure.
Arrangements: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you may experience temporary numbness or weakness in your neck and upper extremities.

Preparing adequately ensures a safe and smooth experience during the cervical injection procedure.

What Is the Cervical Injection Procedure Like?

The cervical epidural injection procedure typically follows these steps:

Patient positioning: You will be asked to lie face down on an examination table. The healthcare provider will ensure you are in a comfortable position.
Sterilization: The injection site will be cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection.
Anesthesia: A local anesthetic will be used to numb the skin and underlying tissues at the injection site. This helps reduce any discomfort during the procedure.
Needle placement: Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray guidance with contrast dye) for precision, the healthcare provider will insert a thin epidural needle into the epidural space in the cervical spine.
Medication injection: Once the needle is correctly positioned, the corticosteroid and anesthetic medication will be injected into the epidural space around the affected spinal nerve roots.
Monitoring: You will be monitored for a short time after the injection to ensure there are no immediate complications or adverse reactions.

The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes, and you may experience some relief immediately due to the anesthetic component of the injection.

What Is Recovery Like After Cervical Injections?

Recovery after cervical injections can vary from person to person, but here are some general guidelines:

Immediate post-procedure: You may be asked to rest in a recovery area temporarily to ensure no immediate complications. You might experience temporary numbness or weakness in your neck and upper extremities, which should subside as the anesthetic wears off.
Activity restrictions: Your healthcare provider may recommend limiting certain activities briefly following the procedure. It’s crucial to follow these instructions to ensure proper healing.
Pain relief: The full effects of the corticosteroid may take a few days to become noticeable. You should experience a reduction in pain and inflammation over time.
Follow-up appointments: You may need to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and determine the effectiveness of the injection.

Recovery from cervical injections is typically well-tolerated, and most patients can resume their normal activities quickly. Some patients experience short-term pain relief for a few weeks, while others have relief for several months. It is common for patients to undergo repeated injections in the same year, though there is a limit to how many injections one can have.

What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Cervical Injections?

Like any medical procedure, cervical epidural steroid injections carry some potential side effects and risks. These can include:

Temporary pain: Some patients may experience temporary discomfort or pain at the injection site, which usually subsides within a few days.

Infection: While rare, there is a minimal risk of infection at the injection site. Proper sterilization and hygiene protocols are in place to minimize this risk.

Nerve damage: Although highly unlikely, there is a slight risk of nerve damage during the procedure. However, this risk is minimized by using imaging guidance.

Allergic reaction: In some cases, patients may have an allergic reaction to the injected medications. Inform your healthcare provider of any known allergies beforehand.

Elevated blood sugar: Corticosteroids used in the injection can temporarily elevate blood sugar levels, which may be a concern for individuals with diabetes.

Bleeding: There is a minimal risk of bleeding at the injection site, as well as damage to surrounding blood vessels.

It’s essential to discuss these potential risks and side effects with your healthcare provider during your consultation. They can provide you with personalized information and recommendations based on your specific medical history and needs.

Contact the Advanced Spine Center for Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections in Frisco, TX

Cervical epidural steroid injections offer a promising avenue for individuals suffering from neck pain and related symptoms in Frisco, Texas. By targeting inflammation and providing pain relief, these injections can significantly improve the quality of life for those dealing with cervical radicular pain, arm pain, and other forms of pain around the cervical vertebrae.

If you’re considering cervical injections as a treatment option, consult with Dr. Courtney at the Advanced Spine Center to discuss your symptoms, undergo a thorough evaluation, and determine the most suitable course of action. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 972-499-5457 or complete our online form.

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   Robert Alicea 
 
 
 
  The doctor and his staff were very welcoming and kind ..explained my issues in detail . Will highly recommend
  
 
       
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  Every visit to Dr. Courtney's office is educational and most beneficial. Dr. Courtney and ALL of his staff are the best!
  
 
       
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  My wife and I both go to Dr Courtney for back issues.
Great care. Great staff.
Great surgical facility and smooth process.
LOVE THEM!!!
  
 
       
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  Dr Courtney and his staff truly care about my well being. They are the only ones I have found that have been able to help me with my workman's comp claim
  
 
       
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  Does your back hurt? Has your back been hurting, yet no other surgeon can or won't help you; or worse tells you nothing is wrong?
You're in the wrong place! I had 4 back operations with no  improvement. I had an additional 6 other consultations with "there's nothing wrong with you". The truth was I was probably 2-3 months away from permanent leg and lower back paralysis.
He fixed me. I can stand, I can walk. I threw away my crutches of 13 years.
If you need back correction - GO SEE THIS DOCTOR!
He will fix you, and fix you correctly, if it is humanly possible.
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Go see him. He tells the truth and tells it like it is.
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   Terri Stewman 
 
 
 
  Dr courtney and his staff are great!  Dr courtney always takes his time with you and I feel he truly cares about his patients.
  
 
       
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  Great Dr and helped me multiple times over the years Would recommend to anyone that needs help
  
 
       
   Bridgette e Mentesana 
 
 
 
  Dr. Courtney is knowledgeable and takes the time to really explain what’s going on and explain why you’re in pain and the several options to correct the issue.
I never felt rushed and he was on time to our appointment which is such a rare thing.
The rest of the office staff was absolutely top notch. They were really down to earth and so nice, you could tell they liked their jobs and were treated well. It was a very welcoming atmosphere.
I felt very comfortable and I knew I was in capable hands just by the way he treated his staff and listened to his patients.
Highly recommend.
  
 
       
   Marie Benton 
 
 
 
  Dr Courtney did my neck surgery and my 360 back surgery.  I would not go to another surgeon, he cares about his patients and it shows!  His staff is great as well!  I trust his opinion and skills 100%