Cervical Nerve Root Injection
What is a cervical nerve root injection?
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. Between each vertebra is a ‘disc’ that allows the spine to be flexible. The nerves that provide sensation and power to the upper limbs are called cervical nerves. They exit the spine through openings between two adjacent vertebrae called the formalin. There are eight cervical nerves on each side of the neck. The nerve roots are surrounded by fat. A cervical nerve root injection is where anti-inflammatory medication and a local anaesthetic are injected into the fat surrounding the nerve root. The medication decreases inflammation in the nerve root and will often reduce pain caused by nerve root inflammation, irritation caused by arthritis or conditions such as a prolapsed disc (where the disc bulges) in your neck.
Why would my doctor advice me to have this procedure?
Irritation, compression and inflammation of the nerve caused by a prolapsed disc or a bony spur from arthritis in the neck can cause arm and neck pain. This is more common in older people, but can happen to anyone who has arthritis in the neck. It can also occur after a neck injury.
How do I prepare for a cervical nerve root sleeve injection?
You may have a light meal up to 4 hours before the procedure. Blood thinners like aspirin and clopidogrel (used in cardiac patients) needs to be stopped 4-5 days prior to the procedure in consultation with your cardiologist. A blood test may be required to check your blood clotting before the procedure. You may be monitored for 2–3 hours after the procedure in the hospital. You will need to arrange for someone to take you home, as it is not advisable to drive immediately after the procedure, because you may have numbness, weakness or other temporary side-effects after the procedure.
What happens during a cervical nerve root sleeve injection?
At Atlas Pain Care, Coimbatore cervical nerve root injections are done under x-ray or ultrasound guidance. You will be asked to lie on your belly on the operating table. An anesthesiologist will be standing beside you to look after your safety. The site of the nerve root to be injected is located and needle is introduced and placed at the target site and the medication is then injected into the tissues surrounding the nerve root. Please read our FAQ section to know more about the procedure.
What are the risks of a cervical nerve root sleeve injection?
The minor complications that can occur are bruising and bleeding at the site of injection, and giddiness when you are helped off the table after the procedure. Severe complications are rare.