Relief of Pain in the Neck With Cortisone

Cortisone is a steroidal hormone naturally produced by the adrenal gland. Cortisone shots are synthetic medication similar to the natural hormone. The injections reduce inflammation around a joint or nerve, which helps relieve pain. A patient with chronic neck pain might find a cortisone shot beneficial for pain relief. (Ref. 1)

Function

• A cortisone injection for neck pain is often used in combination with an anesthetic to help with the discomfort from the injection. A doctor injects the cortisone directly into the inflamed area. This can help if the neck pain is caused by muscle swelling or a pinched nerve. The cortisone works to reduce swelling and relieve pressure.

  Steroid injections are given to provide temporary relief. However, make sure you have tried resting, pain-relieving medications as well as exercises before considering an injection. (Ref. 1)

  After the procedure, the injection site is cleaned. The area may feel numb from an anesthetic. Protect the area for a day or two after the injection. You can apply an ice pack to relieve pain. (Ref. 2)

Types of Injections

• • Facet joint injection: The steroid is injected into a facet joint, a small joint on the back of the vertebrae. The tissue around the joint can become inflamed, causing pain.
  • Epidural steroid injection: The steroid is injected into the epidural space, which surrounds the membrane covering the spine and nerve roots, according to Everyday Health.
  • Nerve root block: The injection is made in the space around the spinal nerve roots that are inflamed because of a damaged disc. (Ref. 1)

Considerations

• There are limitations with cortisone shots. Some say repeated use of cortisone injections can cause deterioration of cartilage, according to Mayo Clinic researchers. Doctors usually limit the amount of cortisone shots in one joint. (Ref. 2)

  Cortisone injections are not often used for neck pain because they pose significant risks for patients. These include "cortisone flares," a temporary reactions that create pressure in the inflamed area and cause pain, cartilage damage, risk of infection, and an increase in blood sugar. (Ref. 1)