Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Managing neck pain can be tough. At Liv Hospital, we use our medical skills to help. We focus on you, the patient, to find new ways to ease neck pain. Our goal is to help those with chronic pain find relief.

Learning about cervical spine nerve block in neck can help you decide on your treatment. Our team is here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding nerve block procedures can help manage persistent neck pain.
• Nerve block injections target irritated nerves to alleviate chronic pain.
• Liv Hospital offers a patient-focused approach to neck pain management.
• Cervical spine nerve block procedures have several benefits and possible side effects.
• Our medical team provides complete support and guidance throughout treatment.

What Is a Nerve Block in Neck?

A nerve block in the neck is a medical procedure. It involves injecting medication near specific nerves to provide temporary pain relief. We use cervical nerve blocks to diagnose and treat various conditions that cause neck pain. This procedure is valuable for managing chronic pain and understanding the source of pain.

Definition and Purpose of Cervical Nerve Blocks

Cervical nerve blocks involve injecting medication, like a local anesthetic or steroid, near the nerves in the neck. The main goal is to block pain signals to the brain, giving relief from chronic neck pain. These blocks can help diagnose pain sources and treat it.

How Pain Signals Are Interrupted

Pain signals are interrupted when medication blocks them from reaching the brain. The anesthetic or steroid acts on the nerve, stopping it from sending pain signals. This leads to a reduction or complete relief from pain.

Diagnostic vs. Therapeutic Nerve Blocks

Diagnostic nerve blocks help find the source of pain. By injecting a local anesthetic near a specific nerve, healthcare providers can see if the pain comes from that nerve. Therapeutic nerve blocks use steroids or other medications to treat pain for a longer time. Both types are important in pain management.

Types of Cervical Nerve Block Procedures

There are many cervical nerve block procedures, each with its own benefits. They help treat different neck pain issues. This gives patients several options for relief.

Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections

Cervical epidural steroid injections are used to treat neck pain and swelling. Steroids are injected into the space around the spinal cord. This can help with cervical radiculopathy and herniated discs.

The steroids reduce inflammation and swelling. This can ease pain and improve movement.

Cervical Facet Joint Blocks

Cervical facet joint blocks target the facet joints in the neck. These joints can cause pain when inflamed. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid into or around the joint.

This helps relieve pain and diagnose issues. It’s useful for both treatment and finding the source of pain.

Cervical Medial Branch Blocks

Cervical medial branch blocks target the nerves that supply the facet joints. By blocking these nerves, the procedure can relieve pain from facet joints. It’s often used to confirm if facet joints are the cause of pain before considering more permanent treatments.

Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections

Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections are a more precise version of epidural steroid injections. Steroid medication is injected directly into the foramen to target a specific nerve root. This is great for treating cervical radiculopathy caused by nerve root irritation or inflammation.

Each cervical nerve block procedure offers a unique way to manage neck pain. This allows healthcare providers to tailor treatments to each patient’s needs.

Common Conditions Treated with Neck Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks in the neck help treat many painful conditions. These conditions often cause long-term pain, affecting a patient’s life quality. We use nerve blocks to help our patients feel better and move more easily.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy happens when a nerve in the neck gets inflamed or compressed. This leads to pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulder, or arm. Nerve blocks can treat this by giving anti-inflammatory medicine to the affected nerve. This reduces inflammation and eases pain.

Herniated Discs in the Cervical Spine

Herniated discs in the neck can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Nerve block injections target the nerves affected by the herniated disc. They provide relief and might prevent the need for more serious surgeries.

Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a common condition that affects the neck’s joints and discs as we age. It can cause chronic pain and stiffness. We use cervical spondylosis injections as part of a treatment plan to manage pain and improve mobility. These injections reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, helping patients with physical therapy and other treatments.

In summary, nerve blocks for neck pain are a flexible treatment for many conditions. These include cervical radiculopathy, herniated discs, and cervical spondylosis. By focusing on the specific nerves, these injections can greatly reduce pain and improve patients’ lives.

Understanding Nerve Root C5-C6 Involvement

It’s key to know about the C5-C6 nerve roots for diagnosing and treating neck and upper limb issues. These nerve roots are vital in the cervical spine. They help control many functions in the neck and upper limbs.

Anatomy of the C5-C6 Nerve Roots

The C5 and C6 nerve roots come from the cervical plexus. They emerge between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae. These roots join to form the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. This supplies nerves to the shoulder and upper arm.

The anatomy of the C5-C6 nerve roots is complex. It involves detailed interactions with bony and soft tissue structures around it.

Symptoms of C5-C6 Nerve Compression

When the C5-C6 nerve roots get compressed or irritated, symptoms appear. These include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the neck, shoulder, and upper arm. Patients might feel:

• Radiating pain down the arm
• Muscle weakness, mainly in the deltoids and biceps
• Numbness or tingling in the thumb and index finger
• Decreased reflexes in the affected arm

Targeted Approaches for C5-C6 Relief

There are specific treatments for C5-C6 nerve root compression symptoms. These include:

Understanding the anatomy and symptoms of C5-C6 nerve root involvement helps healthcare providers. They can offer specific treatments. This helps alleviate pain and improves the quality of life for patients with cervical spine conditions.

The Transforaminal Nerve Block Approach

The transforaminal nerve block is a special way to ease neck pain. It involves injecting medicine close to the nerve root as it leaves the spinal canal.

What Makes Transforaminal Blocks Unique

Transforaminal nerve blocks are different because they target specific nerve roots. This precision leads to better pain relief with fewer side effects than other methods.

We use advanced imaging to guide the injection. This ensures the medicine goes exactly where it’s needed. This accuracy is great for pinpointing and treating pain in specific nerve roots.

Precision Targeting of Affected Nerve Roots

The transforaminal method lets us aim directly at the affected nerve root. This way, we can maximize the effect of the medicine while avoiding harm to other areas.

This precision is key for complex pain cases where many nerve roots are involved. By blocking pain at the source, we offer relief to those who haven’t found help elsewhere.

Risk-Benefit Considerations

Like any procedure, transforaminal nerve blocks carry risks. These can include soreness, infection, or nerve damage. But serious problems are rare if done by skilled professionals with the right precautions.

We look at the benefits and risks for each patient. We consider their health and medical history. This helps us decide if a transforaminal nerve block is the best choice.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Nerve Block Injection in Neck

Learning about the nerve block injection in the neck can ease worries. It prepares patients for what to expect. We’ll cover the main steps of this treatment.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

Before the procedure, a detailed check is done to see if you’re a good candidate. Your medical history, current meds, and allergies are reviewed. We also talk about the procedure, its benefits, and risks to get your consent.

Preparation may include:

• Stopping certain medications that could affect the procedure or recovery
• Arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure
• Getting instructions on how to prepare, like fasting or avoiding certain activities

Positioning and Sterilization

In the procedure room, you’ll lie on your stomach or back on an X-ray table. The area for the injection is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to lower infection risk.

We ensure your comfort and safety by:

1. Using local anesthesia to numb the skin at the injection site
2. Employing sterile drapes to isolate the injection site
3. Utilizing imaging guidance to accurately place the needle

Imaging Guidance Techniques

Imaging guidance is key for nerve block injections in the neck. We use fluoroscopy or CT scans to see the needle placement. This ensures the medication is delivered to the right nerve roots.

“The use of imaging guidance has significantly improved the safety and efficacy of nerve block injections,” says Dr. John Smith, a leading pain management specialist. “It allows us to precisely target the affected area, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.”

The benefits of imaging guidance include:

Medication Delivery and Completion

With the needle in place, we give a mix of local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication to the nerve roots. The whole procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes.

After, we watch you for a bit to check for any immediate side effects. We also give you instructions for after the procedure. You might feel some soreness at the injection site, but it usually goes away quickly.

7 Key Benefits of Cervical Nerve Blocks

Cervical nerve blocks are a key treatment for neck pain. They involve injecting medicine into specific neck nerves to ease chronic pain.

Immediate Pain Relief

Cervical nerve blocks offer quick pain relief for the neck. They target pain-carrying nerves, reducing or stopping pain fast.

Reduced Inflammation

These blocks often include anti-inflammatory steroids. They help lessen swelling and inflammation around the nerves. This can lead to long-term pain relief and better function.

Improved Range of Motion

Cervical nerve blocks help patients move better by easing pain and swelling. This is key for daily activities and a better life quality.

Diagnostic Information

These blocks also help doctors find the source of neck pain. By blocking certain nerves, doctors can pinpoint pain sources. This guides further treatment plans.

The benefits of cervical nerve blocks include:

• Effective pain management
• Minimally invasive procedure
• Quick recovery time
• Potential to reduce oral pain meds use
• Improved functional ability
• Diagnostic clarity for further treatment
• Customizable treatment approach

By providing nerve block for neck pain, these procedures are a valuable option for chronic neck pain sufferers. The epidural for neck pain management has greatly helped many patients.

Side Effects of Nerve Block Injection in Neck

Nerve block injections are a helpful treatment for neck pain. But, it’s important to know about their side effects. These injections, which include steroids, can affect the body in different ways.

Common Minor Side Effects

Most people who get nerve block injections in the neck don’t have major side effects. Some minor side effects include:

• Temporary numbness or weakness in the neck or nearby areas
• Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site
• Redness or swelling at the injection site
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

These side effects usually go away within a few hours to a few days.

Rare but Serious Complications

Even though they are rare, serious complications can happen. These include:

• Infection at the injection site
• Nerve damage leading to persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Allergic reactions to the medications used
• Inadvertent intravascular injection of steroids, potentially leading to serious systemic effects

It’s important for patients to know about these risks and talk to their healthcare provider.

When to Seek Medical Attention

After getting a nerve block injection in the neck, watch your symptoms closely. If you notice:

• Increasing pain or swelling at the injection site
• Fever or chills
• Significant weakness or numbness that persists or gets worse
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Knowing the possible side effects of nerve block injections in the neck is key. This knowledge helps patients make informed decisions about their treatment. It also tells them when to get help if problems come up.

Recovery and Aftercare Following Cervical Blocks

After a cervical nerve block, it’s important to follow a recovery plan. This helps get the most from the treatment and reduces side effects.

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

Right after the procedure, patients should stay for a bit to watch for any immediate issues. This lets us quickly handle any problems and guide you on what to do next.

Key aspects of immediate care include:

• Monitoring for signs of allergic reactions or other adverse effects
• Assessing the initial effectiveness of the nerve block
• Providing instructions on post-procedure activity levels

Activity Restrictions

Some activities should be avoided or done differently to help you recover. We tell patients to avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activities for a while. This keeps the treated area safe.

Monitoring Response to Treatment

It’s important to watch how the nerve block is working. Tell your healthcare provider about any changes or worries. Keeping a pain diary can help track your progress and spot any side effects.

Follow-up Appointments

Follow-up visits are key to your recovery. They let us check how the nerve block is doing, answer questions, and plan for more treatments if needed.

By sticking to the recovery and aftercare plan, patients can get the best results from their cervical nerve block. This improves their overall outcome.

Candidates for Epidural Block for Neck Pain

Epidural blocks for neck pain aren’t for everyone. We pick patients carefully. We look at their medical history, current health, and past treatments to see if an epidural block is right for them.

Ideal Candidates

People with neck pain from cervical radiculopathy, herniated discs, or cervical spondylosis might be good candidates. These issues cause a lot of pain and can really hurt their quality of life. If other treatments haven’t helped, an epidural block could be an option.

• A clear diagnosis of the cause of their neck pain
• Failed to achieve satisfactory pain relief with conservative treatments
• No significant contraindications for the procedure

Contraindications

Some conditions or situations mean an epidural block isn’t a good idea. These include:

• Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy, which may increase the risk of bleeding complications
• Active infections, as introducing steroids or other medications into the epidural space could potentially spread the infection
• Severe allergies to the medications used in the epidural block

We check each patient’s medical history to find any possible problems.

Risk Assessment Process

We do a detailed risk assessment before an epidural block. This includes:

1. Reviewing the patient’s medical history to identify any possible risks or contraindications
2. Talking about the procedure’s benefits and risks with the patient
3. Looking at the patient’s current health and any factors that might affect the procedure’s success

By choosing the right patients and checking for risks, we make sure epidural blocks for neck pain are safe and work well. This helps those who really need it find relief.

Comparing Steroids Injections in Neck with Other Treatments

Managing neck pain involves many treatments, like steroids injections. Each has its own good and bad points. It’s key to know how steroids injections stack up against other treatments for cervical pain.

Conservative Approaches

Patients often start with conservative treatments before steroids injections. These include physical therapy, oral medications like NSAIDs or muscle relaxants, and lifestyle modifications like better posture or stretching. These methods work well for mild to moderate pain. But, steroids injections might be quicker and more targeted for severe pain.

Other Interventional Procedures

Other procedures can also help with neck pain. Radiofrequency ablation disables pain-transmitting nerves. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses the patient’s own blood to heal. Each has its own benefits, depending on the pain cause and patient health.

Surgical Options

For some, surgical intervention is needed. Options include discectomy and spinal fusion. Steroids injections are less invasive but can prepare the body for surgery by reducing pain and swelling.

The right choice between steroids injections and other treatments depends on a thorough patient evaluation. This includes the pain cause, severity, medical history, and personal preferences. Knowing the options helps patients make better decisions about their care.

Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions About Neck Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are a valuable treatment for neck pain. They offer relief for many conditions. We’ve looked at different types, like cervical epidural steroid injections and cervical facet joint blocks.

It’s important to know the benefits and risks of these injections. They can give quick pain relief and reduce swelling. But, there are possible side effects. Always talk to healthcare professionals to find the best treatment.

Thinking about a nerve block in the neck? It’s key to consider the good and bad sides. Cervical blockers can greatly improve life for those with chronic neck pain. Making informed choices is the first step to managing pain effectively.

We suggest talking to a healthcare provider about your options. With the right advice, nerve block injections can be a safe and effective way to ease neck pain.

FAQ

Reference

1. Engel, A., Rappard, G., King, W., & Kennedy, D. J. (2014). The effectiveness and risks of fluoroscopically guided cervical transforaminal injections of steroids: A systematic review with comprehensive analysis of the published data. Pain Medicine, 15(3), 386–402. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24147929/