Cervical block can be used both for the treatment of pain and inflammation in the cervical vertebrae, and in the definitive diagnosis of an injury or problem that generates acute and/or chronic symptoms in this area. COPAC specialists can provide you with neck pain relief for weeks or months through this technique.
Cervical blocks are a type of medical treatment in which a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid are injected into the cervical spine to treat pain and inflammation in that area. The cervical spine is made up of 7 vertebrae that are located at the top of the spine, and it is one of the most common causes of neck and shoulder pain.
Cervical block can be performed using imaging techniques such as X-ray, fluoroscopy, or CT scans to help guide the needle during injection. It is important to talk to your specialist about the risks and benefits of cervical block before proceeding with treatment.
Cervical block may be necessary when a person suffers from chronic pain and inflammation in the cervical spine; as well as for the diagnosis of a cervical problem. Cervical block is usually recommended in cases of cervical spondylosis, arthritis, cervical disc herniation, facet syndrome, and other conditions that affect this area.
Before a cervical block, it is essential to follow the instructions provided by the treating doctor. Generally speaking, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking at least six hours before the procedure, stop taking over-the-counter and/or prescription medications that may increase the risk of bleeding, for example: aspirin and blood thinners.
Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including supplements or herbs, as some of these may increase the risk of complications during the procedure.
On the day of the lockdown, you will be asked to wear a hospital gown and lie face down on a gurney; You will then be given a local anesthetic to numb the skin and tissues near the injection site. The procedure itself takes 15 to 30 minutes; You will probably be monitored for a few extra minutes to check for any adverse reactions before being discharged.
There are several types of cervical blocks, among them we can mention:
This procedure is helpful in relieving pain in the facet joints of the cervical spine that can be the main cause of neck pain.
This type of block is used to diagnose the source of neck pain and to treat radicular pain (pain that spreads from the spine to a limb) by injecting the drugs into the nerve root that causes the symptoms.
An epidural block is used to treat neck pain and radicular pain in the cervical spine. In this case, the injection is made into the epidural space around the spinal cord.
This block targets the cervical plexus, a group of nerves that supply sensation and movement to the neck and shoulders. In this technique, a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid are used over the cervical plexus area to relieve chronic and/or acute pain.
After a cervical block, you should follow the instructions provided by your doctor to ensure the success of the procedure. The most common medical guidelines include:
Rest and avoid strenuous physical activity, it is normal to feel some pain or discomfort after the procedure, rest can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Apply ice to the injection area, ice is able to reduce the level of swelling and pain.
Take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
Monitor any new or unusual symptoms and let your doctor know.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until your doctor says it is okay.
Do not take aspirin or other medications that can thin the blood, as these increase the risk of bleeding at the injection site.
Do not take corticosteroids on your own unless your doctor has prescribed it.
Do not bathe in a bathtub, pool, or hot tub for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
The side effects of a cervical block vary depending on the type of block performed and the person receiving it. Side effects of the procedure include:
Bleeding or bruising at the injection site.
Pain, discomfort, or infection at the puncture site.
Allergic reactions to medications used during the procedure.
Headaches.
Nausea.
Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs.
Changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
The duration of the effect of a cervical block can vary according to the type of block used, the dose delivered and the individual response of the patient. The effects of local anesthetic on a cervical block can last for several hours, while the effects of corticosteroid can last for days or even weeks. In some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the cervical block several times to achieve prolonged pain relief.
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