Should I Get an Epidural Injection in My Neck at C5-C6 for Arm Pain?
Yes, if you experience arm pain, numbness, or weakness caused by a pinched nerve at C5–C6, a cervical epidural steroid injection can provide relief. These injections deliver corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic into the cervical epidural space around the spinal cord. Once injected, the medication reduces inflammation and relieves pressure on spinal nerve roots.
At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our pain management specialists deliver a targeted epidural injection in the neck, C5-C6. To minimize the risk of complications, we use X-ray and ultrasound guidance to inject the epidural needle into the cervical epidural space accurately. Call us today at 855-321-6784 to schedule your consultation.
When Do Doctors Recommend a C5–C6 Epidural Injection for Arm Pain?
Doctors recommend a C5–C6 epidural injection for severe arm pain when conservative treatments (NSAIDs, rest, targeted exercises, etc) fail to provide pain relief. Doctors may also recommend cervical epidural steroid injections if you have chronic neck pain, radicular pain, muscle weakness, or tingling caused by a pinched nerve. According to PubMed, epidural injections can reduce pain by 50% for up to 3 months in patients.
Moreover, you may need an epidural injection if you have any of the following conditions:
- Facet joint arthritis
- Osteophyte formation
- Cervical myelopathy
- Cervical disc herniation
- Degenerative disc disease
- Cervical radiculopathy
Do You Need an MRI Before a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection?
Yes, you usually need an MRI scan before getting a cervical epidural steroid injection. An MRI provides clear images of the spinal canal, cervical epidural space, intervertebral discs, and nearby muscles. This visualization helps identify cervical disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and pinched nerves.
Additionally, according to NIH, imaging confirmation with MRI is essential to verify nerve root compression from a herniated disc. It also helps your doctor identify narrowed spinal columns and administer the steroid medicine more accurately. This careful approach reduces the risk of complications and improves the effectiveness of the procedure.
Tip: If you have any recent MRI scans, share them with your doctor so they can review your spinal anatomy immediately and start the treatment without unnecessary delays.
Are C5–C6 Epidural Steroid Injections Safe for Older Adults?
Yes, C5–C6 cervical epidural steroid injections are generally safe for older adults when administered by experienced doctors. According to the Journal of Clinical & Medical Surgery, complications from epidural steroid injections are rare in elderly patients. In one study, none of 688 CT-guided epidural injections in patients over 65 resulted in significant side effects. However, minor risks such as injection site pain, dural puncture, and transient hyperglycemia can still occur.
Can a Cervical Epidural Injection Improve Grip Strength or Hand Numbness?
Yes, a C5–C6 cervical epidural steroid injection can help you improve grip strength and reduce hand numbness. By reducing inflammation around the spinal nerve roots controlling your hand muscles, this injection can restore your ability to hold objects. You may also notice better dexterity (coordination and control of hand movements).
Moreover, the epidural injection can help relieve numbness associated with cervical nerve compression, including:
- Persistent numbness in the fingers or fingertips
- Tingling or “pins and needles” in the hand
- Reduced sensation along the palm or thumb side of the hand
- Difficulty sensing temperature or textures with the affected hand
- Hand “falling asleep” sensations
- Numbness that radiates from the neck to the shoulder, arm, or hand
If you are experiencing persistent hand numbness or weakness, contact our spine specialists today. We will assess your cervical spine and determine if a C5–C6 epidural injection is right for you. Our team will also discuss other treatment options and pain management strategies to enhance your hand function and reduce nerve-related symptoms.
Which Exercises Should You Avoid After a C5–C6 Injection?
After a C5–C6 cervical epidural steroid injection, you should avoid overhead shoulder presses, lateral raises, and upright rows. You should also avoid pull-ups, push-ups, heavy deadlifts, and heavy bench presses. These exercises put significant stress on your neck and shoulders, increasing the risk of inflammation and irritation.
Moreover, doctors also recommend avoiding certain activities, such as:
- High-impact sports (basketball, football, running)
- Yoga poses with deep neck bending or twisting
- Kettlebell swings or heavy rowing exercises
- Boxing or martial arts strikes
- Mountain biking or activities with sudden jolts
- Swimming strokes that require extreme neck rotation
What’s the Difference Between Transforaminal vs. Interlaminar Epidural Injections?
Interlaminar (IL) epidural injections deliver medication into the space between the vertebrae, while transforaminal (TF) injections target the nerve root openings (foramina). Moreover, transforaminal epidural steroid injections deliver an anesthetic directly near the affected cervical region, providing targeted pain relief. It also reduces inflammation in the epidural space surrounding the nerves, which improves your arm strength.
On the other hand, interlaminar epidural injections distribute medication more broadly across the posterior epidural space. This approach can help if you have multi-level cervical spine irritation, severe neck pain, or diffuse arm pain. However, improper and overuse of these injections can increase the risk of complications. Therefore, at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we conduct a detailed assessment to determine which epidural injection is safe for you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
What Is The Success Rate Of An Epidural Injection In The Neck At C5, C6?
After a cervical epidural injection, 57.6–71.9% of patients experience at least a ≥50% reduction in arm pain. According to a prospective outcome study on PubMed, an analysis of 33 participants tracked improvements in arm pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and neck function using the Neck Disability Index (NDI-5).
The results showed that ≥30% improvement in NDI-5 was achieved in 60.6% of cases at 1 month, 68.8% at 3 months, and 61.3% at 6 months. Moreover, PGIC scores showed that 48.4–65.6% of participants reported being “much improved” or “very much improved.”
When Can You Resume Work After a Cervical Epidural Injection?
You can generally return to work within 1 to 3 days after a cervical epidural injection, depending on your pain levels and job demands. For example, if your job involves desk work or light computer tasks, you may resume work the same day after a few hours. However, if your work involves heavy lifting or overhead activities, it’s recommended to wait at least 3 days or more.
Additionally, the following factors can affect your recovery timeline after a cervical epidural injection:
- Severity of neck or arm pain
- Extent of nerve inflammation or compression
- Overall physical fitness and muscle strength
- Presence of other chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
- Response to previous treatments or injections
Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Provide Advanced Cervical Epidural Injections for Arm Pain — Visit Us Now!
Ongoing arm pain, numbness, or weakness from C5–C6 nerve compression can disrupt your daily life. You may struggle with gripping objects or performing simple tasks, such as typing or cooking. In such cases, delaying proper treatment can worsen nerve inflammation and reduce hand/arm function.
With over 21 years of experience, our medical team at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides cervical epidural injections to reduce swelling and nerve-related symptoms. Moreover, we closely monitor your recovery and adjust your treatment plan to ensure long-term pain relief. Call us today at 855-321-6784 or visit our clinic at 116 East 29th Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002, to start your recovery.
FAQs
Why Is Pain Worse After a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection?
Your pain worsens after a cervical epidural steroid injection because the medication can temporarily irritate the cervical nerves. This irritation occurs before the steroid begins to provide pain relief. In some cases, the body also reacts to the steroid crystals, which can increase nerve sensitivity in the neck.
How Much Does an Epidural Injection in the Neck Cost?
The cost of an epidural injection in the neck (cervical epidural steroid injection) usually ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 without insurance. However, the price depends on several factors, including the facility fee, imaging guidance (such as fluoroscopy), and the doctor’s experience. Moreover, if you have insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is often lower, depending on your deductible and copay.
What Are the Potential Risks of an Epidural Injection in the Neck, C5, C6?
Improper administration of an epidural injection may result in bleeding, infection, nerve damage, stroke, paralysis, and spinal cord injury. Some people also notice facial flushing, insomnia, or chronic pain in the shoulders, arms, and neck. To minimize the side effects of the epidural injection in the neck, you should report any worsening symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Does Insurance Usually Cover Cervical Epidural Injections?
Yes, insurance usually covers cervical epidural injections if they are medically necessary. For example, if you have a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, your insurance plan may cover the epidural procedure. However, most insurers require proper documentation of the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and evidence that conservative treatments did not provide any pain relief.
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate for a C5–C6 Epidural?
If you experience persistent neck or arm pain sensations, numbness, tingling, or weakness that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments like rest or medications, you should get a C5–C6 epidural. Moreover, if you have a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression, your doctor may recommend an epidural injection. You should also get a C5–C6 epidural if your symptoms interfere with daily activities.
Can a C5–C6 Epidural Reduce Severe Headaches Caused by Neck Issues?
Yes, a C5–C6 epidural can temporarily reduce headaches caused by neck issues, especially if they result from nerve irritation. By delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, the injection can relieve pressure on nerves and decrease inflammation. As a result, headache intensity and frequency improve, providing relief from pain originating in the cervical spine.
How Long Does Relief From a C5–C6 Epidural Injection Usually Last?
C5–C6 epidural injection affects lasts from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of nerve irritation. Some people experience immediate pain relief, while others may take 1–2 weeks for the anti-inflammatory effects to begin. In many cases, the relief lasts 6–12 weeks, and your doctor may recommend repeated epidural steroid injections for complete recovery.
