Cervical infiltrations

Abstract

Vertrebral column is a complex structure consisting
of bones cartilaginous structures and several ligaments,
forming spinal canal with spinal cord and intervertebral foramens, where spinal nerves come out.
Herniation of intervertebral disk or spondylosis, is
the main cause of the outcoming spinal root compression.
This pathologic condition by mechanical and
chemical ways, leads to radicular pain.
This kind of pain especially in cervical spine is
a common cause of people visiting the physician.
First, anti-inflammatory medication and rest are recommended,
but in about 20% this method fails to
give a solution. Next step in therapeutic approach
is percutaneous infiltration not only as diagnostic
procedure to determine the precise origin of cervical
pain or brachialgia, but also as a therapeutic method.
Candidates for percutaneous infiltrations must suit
some certain criteria.
Under fluoroscopy the physician makes direct or
indirect infiltrations (with corticosteroid mixture) into the
nerve root causing the pain. This procedure provides
a direct and increased concentration of medication in
inflammation site.
The method is quite accurate with great efficacy in
reducing radicular pain. It is also important to mention
that clinically significant complications are not noted
and finally it is remarkable that it is a cost- effective
procedure, a fact which is really tempting especially
nowadays.