Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Neck pain can really disrupt your life and work. At Liv Hospital, we focus on accurate diagnosis and effective treatments. Cervical nerve block injections are a gentle way to find and fix neck pain that spreads to the arms or comes from cervical spondylosis.

We’re all about putting our patients first and using the latest research to guide our care. Understanding the nerve block in neck procedure helps patients make better choices for their health.

Key Takeaways

• Cervical nerve block injections are a minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing and treating neck pain.
• The procedure involves fluoroscopic guidance for precise injection.
• Cervical nerve blocks can help alleviate pain caused by cervical spondylosis.
• Liv Hospital provides patient-centered, evidence-based care for optimal treatment outcomes.
• A multidisciplinary team supports patients throughout the evaluation and treatment process.

Understanding Cervical Nerve Block Injections

Cervical nerve blocks are key in diagnosing and treating neck pain. They are a big part of pain management. They help those with various cervical spine disorders find relief.

Types of Cervical Nerve Blocks

There are many types of cervical nerve blocks. Cervical selective nerve root blocks target specific nerves. They help diagnose or treat pain from the neck.

Cervical medial branch blocks are for facet joint pain. This is a common cause of neck pain. Another type is the cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection. It injects steroids into the epidural space around the spinal nerves. This is great for radicular pain or inflammation.

Diagnostic vs. Therapeutic Applications

Cervical nerve blocks are used for both finding pain sources and treating it. They help find the pain source by blocking nerves. They also treat pain by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals.

Choosing between diagnostic and therapeutic uses depends on the patient’s needs and the doctor’s judgment. Sometimes, a diagnostic block is done first. This confirms the pain source before a therapeutic injection.

Anatomical Considerations

Knowing the cervical spine’s anatomy is key for these injections. The procedure needs exact knowledge of nerve roots, facet joints, and nearby structures. This ensures the needle is placed correctly.

It’s important to consider anatomical variations and risks like nearby blood vessels or nerves. Using imaging like fluoroscopy is vital. It helps see the anatomy and makes sure the injection is accurate.

Clinical Evidence and Efficacy of Cervical Nerve Blocks

Cervical nerve blocks are a key treatment for neck pain. They have a lot of evidence backing their effectiveness. We’ll look at the clinical evidence, success rates, pain relief, and how long it lasts.

Success Rates and Pain Reduction Outcomes

Research shows cervical nerve blocks can greatly reduce neck pain. Success rates are high, with some studies showing over 70% success. For example, an epidural block for neck pain can significantly lower pain in those with cervical spondylosis.

The targeted delivery of medication in cervical nerve blocks is key. It reduces inflammation and pain. Patients getting cervical spondylosis injections often see a big drop in pain.

Duration of Relief

The length of pain relief from cervical nerve blocks varies. Some feel relief for months, while others need more frequent treatments. The condition being treated, its severity, and the patient’s health all play a role.

Factors Affecting Treatment Success

Many things can affect how well cervical nerve blocks work. These include the accuracy of the injection, the medication used, and the patient’s health. The skill of the practitioner also matters a lot. We stress the need for careful patient selection and personalized plans to improve treatment success.

Indications and Patient Selection

Choosing the right patients is key for cervical nerve block injections to work well. We check each patient to see if this treatment fits their needs.

Conditions Treated with Cervical Nerve Blocks

Cervical nerve blocks help with pain from the neck. They’re used for cervical radiculopathy, where nerves in the neck get compressed or irritated. This includes issues at C5 and C6 levels, treated with cervical epidural steroid injections.

They’re also for chronic neck pain that hasn’t gotten better with other treatments. These injections can bring a lot of relief by reducing inflammation.

Patient Assessment and Evaluation

Before a cervical nerve block, we do a detailed patient assessment. We look at their medical history, symptoms, and past treatments. We also check diagnostic images like MRI or CT scans to pinpoint the pain source.

We check the patient’s overall health to make sure they’re a good fit for the injection. This includes looking at their medications for any issues, like bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy.

Contraindications and Precautions

Cervical nerve blocks are usually safe, but there are some things to watch out for. Patients with active infections or who are pregnant need careful consideration. Those allergic to the injection’s medications, like corticosteroids or local anesthetics, might not be good candidates.

We’re also careful with patients who have diabetes, as steroids can change blood sugar levels. We keep a close eye on them and adjust their treatment as needed.

Pre-Procedure Protocol

Before a nerve block in the neck, several steps are needed for safety and success. Preparing for a steroid injection in the neck can seem scary. But with the right help, patients can feel more ready and confident.

Patient Education and Informed Consent

Teaching patients is key before the procedure. We explain the process, its benefits, and risks. This includes the cervical nerve block type, expected results, and possible issues.

We get informed consent after all questions are answered. This makes sure patients are okay with the procedure and know what to expect.

Medication Management

Managing medications is vital before the procedure. We check the patient’s current meds to see if any need to be changed or stopped. This includes anticoagulants to avoid bleeding risks.

We also talk about steroid injections in the neck for pain and swelling. We explain how they fit into the treatment plan.

Pre-Procedure Testing and Imaging

Testing and imaging are needed to make sure the patient is a good candidate. This includes blood tests for clotting or infections. Imaging, like X-rays, CT scans, or MR,I helps us see the anatomy and any problems.

By doing these steps, we make sure patients are ready for their procedure. This helps us get the best results.

Equipment and Materials Needed for the Nerve Block in Neck Procedure

To do a cervical nerve block injection, we need special tools and stuff. We’ll talk about what’s needed, like imaging tools, medicines, and instruments. This will help you understand the procedure better.

Imaging and Guidance Equipment

Imaging and guidance tools are key for the nerve block injection. We use fluoroscopic guidance to see where the needle goes. This makes sure we hit the right nerve.

We have a fluoroscope, a monitor, and a special table for this. It helps us do the procedure right.

Medications and Injectable Solutions

The medicines and solutions used are very important. We mix local anesthetics and corticosteroids for pain relief and to reduce swelling. The exact medicines and how much depend on the patient’s needs and health history.

Procedural Instruments and Supplies

We also need various tools and supplies for the procedure. This includes sterile needles, syringes, and gloves. We also have stuff to watch the patient’s vital signs while we work.

Having all the right equipment helps us do the cervical nerve block injection safely and well. This way, we can make sure the patient gets the best care and results.

Step-by-Step Procedure Guide

We walk you through the steps of a cervical nerve block injection for neck pain relief. This method, known as a block nerve neck treatment, needs precision and knowledge of the body’s structure.

Patient Positioning and Preparation

Getting the patient in the right position is key for the nerve block in neck procedure. We make sure the patient is comfortable and can easily reach the area we need to work on. They usually lie on their stomach with their neck slightly bent.

• The patient’s skin is cleaned and prepared with antiseptic solution.
• A sterile drape is applied to maintain a sterile field.
• Local anesthesia is administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

Anatomical Landmarks and Target Identification

Finding the right spots on the body is vital for the procedure. We use both knowledge of the body and imaging to find the target nerve.

1. The cervical spine is palpated to identify the correct level.
2. Fluoroscopic imaging is used to visualize the target area and confirm the correct level.
3. The skin is marked at the entry point for the needle.

Fluoroscopic Guidance Techniques

Fluoroscopic guidance is a key part of the cervical epidural steroid injection process. It lets us see the needle in real-time, ensuring it’s placed right and keeping risks low.

Needle Placement and Advancement

With the target area found and the patient ready, we slowly move the needle under fluoroscopic guidance. We aim for the target nerve, and use contrast to check if we’re in the right spot.

• The needle is advanced slowly and carefully to avoid causing discomfort or injury.
• Contrast material is injected to confirm the correct placement of the needle.
• The therapeutic agent, such as a steroid, is then administered.

By following these steps, we ensure a safe and effective nerve block in neck procedure. This helps our patients find relief from neck pain.

Specific Techniques for Different Cervical Nerve Blocks

Understanding the different cervical nerve block techniques is key to managing neck pain. These blocks are a big part of pain management. They help those with neck pain find relief.

Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block Technique

The cervical selective nerve root block helps diagnose and treat neck pain. It involves injecting a local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid around a specific nerve root. This aims to reduce inflammation and ease pain.

To do this right, we need precise guidance. We use fluoroscopy or CT to make sure the needle is in the right spot. The patient lies on their back with their neck slightly bent to get to the area.

“The use of fluoroscopic guidance in cervical selective nerve root blocks significantly enhances the accuracy of needle placement, improving the procedure’s effectiveness.”

Cervical Medial Branch Block Approach

The cervical medial branch block is used mainly for finding the source of facet pain. It blocks the medial branches of the dorsal rami that cover the facet joints.

To perform this block, we first locate the facet joints with fluoroscopy. The patient lies on their stomach, and the area is prepped and numbed. Then, using fluoroscopy, we guide the needle to the spot where the anesthetic is injected.

This method is great for diagnosing and treating facet joint pain. It temporarily relieves pain, helping confirm the diagnosis and plan further treatment.

Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Method

The transforaminal epidural steroid injection delivers steroids into the epidural space around the spinal nerves. It’s very effective for treating radicular pain and inflammation.

With fluoroscopy guiding us, we insert the needle through the intervertebral foramen into the epidural space. After confirming the needle’s position, we inject a mix of steroid and local anesthetic. This reduces inflammation and eases pain.

This method needs careful attention to avoid complications. Real-time fluoroscopy is essential for safe and accurate needle placement.

Post-Procedure Management and Patient Care

The time after a cervical nerve block injection is key. Proper care is vital to avoid side effects. We make sure patients get the best care to help them recover well.

Immediate Recovery Monitoring

Patients are watched closely in a recovery area right after. We check for any bad reactions, like side effects from the injection. We look at their vital signs and check their nerves to make sure they’re okay.

Discharge Instructions and Activity Limitations

Before leaving, patients get clear instructions. They learn what activities to avoid and what signs to watch for. We tell them how to handle common side effects and when to get help if needed.

Follow-up Assessment and Documentation

We schedule a follow-up to see how the treatment worked. We check for any late problems. We also document how the patient is doing, including any pain relief and side effects.

Managing Post-Procedure Complications

Though rare, problems can happen after the injection. We’re ready to handle them quickly. This includes dealing with side effects and other issues.

By following these steps, we help patients get the best results from cervical nerve block injections. They can find relief from their neck pain.

Conclusion

Cervical nerve block injections are a key treatment for neck pain, mainly for cervical spondylosis. They help patients find relief. Healthcare providers use these injections to offer effective pain management.

The process is precise, using fluoroscopic guidance for accurate needle placement. This method is used for both diagnosis and treatment. It can greatly reduce pain and improve life quality.

Epidural blocks also show promise in treating chronic neck pain. For those with cervical spondylosis, injections are a vital part of treatment. They provide targeted pain relief.

Choosing the right patients for cervical spondylosis injections is critical. Following the right steps before and after the procedure is essential. This ensures the best results for patients.

In conclusion, cervical nerve block injections are a big step forward in treating neck pain. They offer a minimally invasive solution that meets each patient’s needs.

FAQ

References

1. Manchikanti, L., Manchikanti, K. N., Damron, K. S., & Pampati, V. (2004). Effectiveness of cervical medial branch blocks in chronic neck pain: A prospective outcome study. Pain Physician, 7(2), 195-201.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16868592/