A cervical epidural steroid injection is a treatment option for pain caused by irritated or inflamed spinal nerves. It is an injection of steroids into the cervical epidural space. In a 2007 review article in Spine, researchers found that cervical epidural steroid injections provide moderate pain relief for some patients. While this procedure may be effective for you, you should be aware of the possible side effects before choosing to have an epidural steroid injection.
Infection
As with all injections, infection is a possible complication of a cervical epidural steroid injection. Although your doctor will take precautions to maintain a sterile environment, infection is always a risk. A localized skin infection can spread to the epidural space and further spread to the entire spinal column. This can result in severe neurological deficits. In addition, delayed treatment may allow this infection to spread to other parts of your body. Look for excessive pain, redness, warmth or drainage from the injection site if you suspect an infection. Alert your doctor immediately.
Headache
Your doctor may inadvertently advance the needle past the epidural space and into the dural space. According to eOrthopod.com, this is called a "wet tap" and in itself is not dangerous. A puncture in the dural space can cause cerebral spinal fluid to leak out and lead to a post-puncture headache. Although painful, your headache should resolve itself in a few days.
Nerve Damage
Any time a procedure is performed that is in the vicinity of the spinal cord or spinal nerves, nerve damage is a possible side effect. This side effect is rare because the spinal cord is surrounded by many protective tissues and is located deep within the spinal column. You may notice neurological signs, such as shooting pain, if your spinal cord or spinal nerves are touched with an injection needle.
Decreased Bone Density
According to the Mayo Clinic, decreased bone density is a possible side effect of cervical epidural steroid injections. Epidural steroid injections contain corticosteroids, which are hormones naturally produced by your body. However, injected steroids into your epidural space will exceed the level naturally available in your body. This high level of localized steroids can affect the bone-manufacturing process of your bone cells. Therefore, if you have osteoporosis or another bone disease, a steroid injection may increase your fracture risk.
Other Steroid Side Effects
The Doctors Company website says cervical injections are overall associated with low complication rates, but rare possible serious side effects could include spinal-cord infarction, epidural hematoma and respiratory arrest.
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