Cervical Nerve Root Block or Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection HF#6632

 

Name ____________________________________ MR# ________________

 

Your doctor has planned a Cervical Nerve Root Block (CNRB) or Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection (CESI)

 

on (date) ____________________________ at (time) ______________.

 

If you are unable to keep this appointment,

 call Radiology Scheduling at (608) 263-9729.

 

Your doctor suggests a nerve root block to help decrease the pain in your shoulder and neck.  The amount of relief from this treatment varies from patient to patient.  Some patients do not get any pain relief.  Many get some or total relief of their pain.  Relief can last for two weeks up to more than one year.

 

To Prepare for the Treatment

 

You cannot have this treatment if

1. You have an infection such as a cold or sinus infection.
2. You may be or are pregnant.
3. Your current weight is over 390 pounds

 

Tell our staff if you are taking any of these medicines.  Your doctor will decide if you should stop taking them before the treatment.

1.  Aspirin
2.  NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen (Advil^®,Motrin^®, Nuprin^®) and naproxen (Aleve^®)
3.  Anti-platelet medicines ticlopidine (Ticlid^®) or clopidogrel (Plavix^®)

 

Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or any heart problems.

 

Bring your pain medicine with you.  You may take it after the treatment if needed.

 

You MUST have someone drive you home.  Some patients have weakness in their arms after the treatment. 

 

The Day of the Treatment

 

Report to the Radiology Department at UW Hospital. Take the Atrium elevator to the 3rd floor desk.

 

If you have an MRI or CT from another hospital you must bring it with you for the doctor to review.

 

The treatment will take about 45 minutes.  You will lie on your back or side.  A fine needle will be put into your neck to place medicine around the nerves of the neck.

 

After the Treatment

 

Most often, patients do not have any problems after this treatment.  There is a slight risk of infection or bleeding in the spine.  You will have a chance to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns before the treatment.

 

For 1-2 days after the treatment some patients may have

 

·   Redness and flushing around the face.

·   Fluid gain for 1-2 days.  This may affect their breathing if they have heart problems.

·   High blood sugars if they have diabetes.

 

Women of childbearing age may have a change in their menstrual cycle.  They may have spotting between periods.  If your periods change for more than 2 cycles, you should call your doctor to see if you need to be checked.

 

Activities

 

·   Take the rest of the day off work.  You may return to your normal routine as soon as you are able. 

·   You can take the medicines that you use for your neck and shoulder pain.

·   Call the clinic which ordered your treatment if you have any questions about further treatment.

·   Call the radiologist at the phone numbers below if you have pain that gets worse in your neck or shoulders.  

·   Watch for signs of infection.  Call if you have any of the symptoms listed below.

 

• Chills
• Fever greater than 100.4°F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
• Redness that gets worse or swelling around the site
• Any drainage from the site where the needle was placed

 

Phone Numbers

 

The Musculoskeletal Radiology Interventional Service:  (608) 263-8355.

 

After hours, nights, weekends and holidays, this number is answered by the paging operator.  Ask for the radiology resident on call.  Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 02/25/2013

Copyright © 02/25/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6632

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