Effect of Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection in Patients with Central Cervical Spinal Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of interlaminar epidural steroid injection (ESI) for management of central cervical spinal stenosis-induced posterior neck pain.

METHODS: This retrospective study recruited 45 patients with posterior neck pain caused by central cervical spinal stenosis. For the ESI procedure, a 21-gauge Touhy needle was inserted into the epidural space between C7 and T1, and 20 mg (40 mg/mL) of dexamethasone with 4 mL of normal saline was injected. The effect of the procedure was evaluated using a numerical rating scale at 1, 2, and 3 months after the procedure. Successful pain relief was defined as reduction in numerical rating scale score of ≥50% compared with before treatment. At 3 months after treatment, patient satisfaction levels were examined; patients who reported very good (score = 7) or good results (score = 6) were considered to be satisfied with the procedure.

RESULTS: Posterior neck pain was significantly reduced at follow-up evaluation 1, 2, and 3 months after ESI (P < 0.001, repeated measures 1-factor analysis). At 3 months after the procedure, 58% of the patients achieved a successful response (≥50% pain reduction), and 56% were satisfied with treatment results.

CONCLUSIONS: Cervical interlaminar ESI appears to be a good treatment method for managing chronic posterior neck pain induced by central cervical spinal stenosis, especially when pain is refractory to oral medication.