Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) Treatment in Queens

If you’re dealing with neck pain, arm pain, or even tingling and numbness, a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection may help. At 5th Avenue Medical Wellness, we offer this treatment to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve mobility.

What Is a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection?

A Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space in your neck.

This space is near your spinal nerves. When those nerves are irritated or pinched, often due to a herniated disc or arthritis, they can cause pain that spreads from your neck to your shoulders, arms, and hands. The injection includes a mix of steroids and numbing medicine. The steroids help calm swelling around the nerves, while the numbing medicine gives short-term relief. Together, they can reduce pain and help you heal.

Understanding the Cause of Your Pain

The cervical spine includes the top part of your spine—your neck. Pain here can come from:

• Bulging or herniated discs that press on nerves
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Arthritis in the joints of the spine
• Past injuries or trauma

These problems can cause:

• Neck stiffness and soreness
• Burning or shooting pain in the arm
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hands

A Cervical ESI helps reduce the inflammation causing these symptoms.

Signs You Might Need This Injection

You may be a good candidate if you have:

• Neck pain that moves into your arms
• Tingling or numbness in your fingers
• Pain that worsens with movement or when turning your head
• Trouble sleeping, sitting, or working because of the pain

This injection can help ease the pressure on your nerves and give you the relief you’ve been waiting for.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Here’s how to get ready:

• No food or drink for at least 6 hours before your injection
• Tell your doctor about any medications, including blood thinners, vitamins, or supplements
• Arrange a ride home. You won’t be able to drive after the procedure

Give us a call if you have any questions before your visit. We’ll walk you through everything.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• You’ll lie on your stomach or side on the procedure table
• We clean the area and numb your skin to keep you comfortable
• Using an X-ray for guidance, a small needle is placed into the epidural space
• The steroid and numbing medicine is slowly injected
• Usually, the entire procedure takes less than half an hour.

What to Expect After the Cervical ESI

• You may feel a little pressure during the injection
• Some people feel relief in a few hours, while others take a few days
• You might feel a little sore at the injection site
• Rest for the day after your shot
• Most patients return to normal activities the next day

How Long Will the Pain Relief Last?

• Pain relief can last anywhere from a few days to several months.
• Some people only need one injection, while others may need a series
• If it works well, we can repeat it when needed or explore other long-term treatments

What Are Your Options If It Doesn’t Work?

If a Cervical ESI doesn’t give you enough relief, don’t worry—we have other options:

• Physical Therapy – To strengthen muscles and improve movement
• Medications – To manage inflammation and nerve pain
• Nerve blocks or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – For longer-lasting relief
• Surgery – Considered only when other treatments don’t help

Our team will work with you to find what works best.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t let neck or arm pain control your life. A Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection could be the key to reducing inflammation and getting back to doing what you love.

Call us today at (212) 300-4910 or book your appointment online to find out if this treatment is right for you. Relief could be just one visit away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)