Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections (CESIs): A Pathway to Lasting Relief
Persistent neck, shoulder, or arm pain can disrupt your daily life, affecting everything from work to sleep. At Summit Spine & Joint Centers, we understand the profound impact chronic pain can have. Our mission is to help you regain control and return to the activities you love. One of the effective treatments we offer is the Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection (CESI), a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate pain and inflammation in the cervical spine.
Understanding Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections
A CESI involves the injection of a corticosteroid medication into the epidural space of the cervical spine—the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck. This targeted approach aims to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by nerve irritation. Conditions commonly treated with CESIs include:
- Cervical Radiculopathy: Nerve pain radiating from the neck to the shoulders, arms, or hands.
- Herniated Discs: Displacement of disc material causing nerve compression.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear and tear leading to disc deterioration.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve compression.
- Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone in the neck
By delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain, CESIs can provide significant relief, often allowing patients to participate more effectively in physical therapy and other rehabilitation efforts.
The Procedure: What to Expect
CESIs are typically performed on an outpatient basis and involve the following steps:
- Preparation: You’ll be positioned comfortably, and the injection site will be sterilized.
- Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort.
- Guided Injection: Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a needle is carefully inserted into the epidural space, and the corticosteroid medication is injected.
The entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes, and patients can often return home shortly afterward.
Benefits of CESIs
CESIs offer several advantages for individuals suffering from cervical spine-related pain:
- Targeted Pain Relief: Direct delivery of medication to the affected area can provide more effective relief than oral medications.
- Minimally Invasive: As a non-surgical procedure, CESIs carry fewer risks and a shorter recovery time.
- Facilitates Rehabilitation: Pain relief from CESIs can enhance participation in physical therapy, promoting long-term recovery.
- Delays or Avoids Surgery: For some patients, CESIs can postpone or eliminate the need for surgical intervention.
It’s important to note that while CESIs can provide significant relief, they are often most effective when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan, including physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Summit Spine & Joint Centers: A Patient-Centered Approach
At Summit Spine & Joint Centers, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized, compassionate care. Our team of board-certified physicians specializes in interventional pain management, focusing on minimally invasive procedures like CESIs to alleviate pain and improve function.
Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We conduct thorough assessments to understand the root cause of your pain.
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Recognizing that each patient’s experience with pain is unique, we tailor treatment strategies to your specific needs and goals.
- Collaborative Care: Our multidisciplinary team works closely with physical therapists, primary care providers, and other specialists to ensure cohesive care.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: With over 40 locations across the Southeast, our centers are equipped with advanced technology to provide the highest quality care.
Our mission is to help you “Relieve Your Pain and Restore Your Life.”
Is a CESI Right for You?
If you’re experiencing chronic neck, shoulder, or arm pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments, a CESI may be an appropriate option. Our specialists will evaluate your condition, discuss potential benefits and risks, and work with you to determine the best course of action.
It’s essential to have a comprehensive discussion with your healthcare provider to understand the potential outcomes and to ensure that CESI aligns with your overall treatment goals.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Don’t let chronic pain control your life. At Summit Spine & Joint Centers, we’re committed to helping you find effective, non-surgical solutions to manage your pain and improve your quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore whether a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection is right for you. Call us at (770) 962-3642 to schedule your appointment or contact us online.