Cervical Spondylosis Treatment: Innovative Approaches to Cervical Spondylosis A New Hope for Patients
Nerve Root Blocks
When conservative treatments don't provide enough relief, nerve root blocks may be tried. During this procedure, an anesthetic mixed with a corticosteroid is injected near the affected nerve root. This reduces inflammation and blocks pain signals. It gives temporary relief from radiating arm or hand pain caused by pinched nerves. Usually one or two injections several weeks apart are sufficient. The injections help determine if the affected nerve root is the true source of symptoms and guide further treatment. Imaging guidance like fluoroscopy ensures accurate needle placement near the target nerve.
Facet Joint Injections
Degeneration and arthritis of the facet joints between vertebrae can contribute to Cervical Spondylosis Treatment. Facet joint injections deliver medication directly into the painful joints. An anesthetic is combined with a corticosteroid to reduce swelling and pain. As with nerve root blocks, imaging guidance allows precise injection into the facet joints. If symptoms are reduced after the injection, it further confirms the facet joints as the source of pain. A temporary reduction in pain following the injection also indicates the patient as a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation treatment.
Radiofrequency Ablation
When other treatments fail to control chronic pain from cervical facet joints, radiofrequency ablation offers a minimally invasive option. During this procedure, an electrode is inserted through the skin and directed to the target joints under fluoroscopy guidance. Radio waves are delivered through the electrode tip to heat and destroy the nerve endings supplying the joints. This interrupts pain signals for months or years in many cases. Multiple studies have shown RFA provides relief equal or superior to other cervical spine surgeries with fewer risks and recovery time needed.
Epidural Steroid Injections
In cervical spondylosis, the spinal cord or nerve roots may get compressed or irritated by a herniated disc, bone spurs or thickened ligaments. This leads to neck and arm pain. Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. A corticosteroid like methylprednisolone is combined with an anesthetic and injected via the lower back or neck under imaging guidance. This reduces swelling, compression and pain. Multiple injections may be needed for long lasting relief. It helps avoid or delay more invasive procedures in many cases.
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