Effect of Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection With Neural Mobilization in Patients With Cervical Radicular Pain

Effect of Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection With Neural Mobilization in Patients With Cervical Radicular Pain

This study examines the effectiveness of cervical epidural steroid injections (CESI) and neural mobilization (NM), individually and in combination, in alleviating cervical radicular pain-a condition characterized by nerve root compression or irritation often due to herniated discs or bony spurs. Cervical radiculopathy leads to chronic pain, sensory and motor deficits, and disability in the upper limbs.

The study is a randomized controlled trial conducted between April and October 2024, with patients diagnosed with cervical radicular pain randomized into three groups: CESI-only, NM-only, and combined CESI and NM.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18-65 years, diagnosed with chronic cervical radicular pain.
• Patients with chronic cervical radicular pain (>6 months).
• Patients who had been confirmed through clinical examination and imaging studies (MRI or CT) showed evidence of nerve root compression.
• Participants were included if they provided written informed consent, demonstrated the ability to adhere to the study protocol, and committed to attending follow-up appointments while completing the required outcome measures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient refusal.
• Patients above the age of 65 were eliminated to reduce confounding by age-related health concerns and to provide a more homogenous study population for more accurate treatment outcomes.
• Patients with a history of cervical spine surgery, Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension Ischemic Heart Disease, and Pregnancy
• Patients with chronic pain syndromes that may interfere with cervical radicular pain evaluation, such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or hypersensitivity, will be excluded. These disorders will be evaluated during screening using a complete medical history review, physical examination, and precise diagnostic criteria to guarantee correct detection of cervical radicular discomfort.