Efficacy of Cervical Epidural Injection and Selective Nerve Root Block

Comparison of the Efficacy of Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection and Selective Nerve Root Block in Patients With Cervical Radicular Pain

Cervical epidural steroid injections are an accepted treatment modality for radicular pain secondary to disc pathology. With the developing ultrasound technology, ultrasound guided cervical selective nerve root block has been successfully used in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. We aimed to compare the efficacy of cervical interlaminar epidural injections and cervical selective nerve root block.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cervical radicular pain based on history and physical exam
• NRS pain score > 3

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous spine surgery
• Allergic reactions to drugs used in procedure
• Epidural steroid injection within past 2 years
• Radiculopathy not resulting from disc pathology (e.g. foraminal stenosis or tumor)
• Untreated coagulopathy