Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
CERVICAL TRANSFORMATIONAL EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION
What is a Cervical Transformational Epidural Steroid Injection?
This injection procedure is performed to relieve neck, shoulder and arm pain related to compression of a nerve root in the cervical spine. Conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis compressed nerves, causing inflammation and pain. The medication injected helps decrease the swelling of nerves.
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Preparation for the procedure
Your Pain MD Houston physician uses a fluoroscope to locate the appropriate cervical vertebra and nerve root. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin. All the tissue down to the surface of the vertebral transverse process is anesthetized.
What is the procedure like?
The physician slides a thin needle with a slightly curved tip through the anesthetized track. With the aid of a fluoroscope, the physician carefully guides the needle into the foraminal space near the nerve root.
The physician and injects a contrast solution and uses the fluoroscope to confirm the correct position of the needle tip.
What can I expect post-procedure?
A steroid-anesthetics mix is injected into the foraminal epidural space, bathing the painful nerve root with soothing medication. The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied. In most cases, the patient will be able to return home the same day.