Cervical epidurals involve injecting anti-inflammatory medication into the neck.
A cervical epidural nerve block is a treatment which involves injecting an anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space in the neck where there are many nerves. It can also be done in the mid-back or lower back area which can decrease pain for a woman in labor. When a cervical epidural block is done, it is usually done to provide relief for a person who has chronic pain. They can be very effective in preventing and decreasing pain although cervical epidural blocks have several potential side effects.
Spinal Cord Injury
The epidural space is a small area surrounding the membrane that covers the spine. It is sometimes difficult to hit exactly the right spot when injecting a medication there so sometimes spinal cord injuries occur. This most often occurs when a patient moves suddenly as the injection is going into her spine.
Headaches
Headaches are a common side effect of cervical epidural blocks. When the needle enters the sac in the neck where the spinal fluid is contained, it is possible for some spinal fluid to leak out into the epidural space and cause a headache. Headaches from epidural blocks can continue for a few days after the procedure or may even come back sporadically for a few months.
Breathing Irregularities
Though it is not very common, sometimes when a numbing type of medication is injected, the anesthetic itself, or numbing agent, can make it difficult to breathe. Anesthetic medications, when injected into certain patients' cervical spine, affect the chest muscles making it harder to breathe. For this rare side effect, oxygen can be administered to those who need it, until the side effect wears off.
Neck or Back Pain
Some patients experience a localized neck or back pain from the needle being inserted which could last a few days. Other patients have a general pain throughout their neck or whole back after an epidural block which can last up to a few months after the epidural.
Reducing Risk of Side Effects
As a patient, there are a few things that you can do to decrease the risk of side effects when getting a cervical epidural block. Deep breathing and relaxation techniques before and during the insertion of the needle can help to prevent the sudden jerking of the muscle which can cause injuries. Speak up and let your doctor know if you have any pain that does not seem normal to you or you have any concerns. It is better to be safe and cautious than to have to return to the doctor's office later because of a side effect.
Tags: cervical epidural, side effect, epidural block, epidural blocks, epidural space
