Learn about Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection

A Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection (CESI) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure performed by spine specialists to deliver potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space of the cervical spine (neck). This targeted approach aims to reduce inflammation and swelling around irritated nerve roots, providing significant relief from pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates into the shoulders, arms, or hands. It is a common therapeutic option for patients suffering from cervical radiculopathy or spinal stenosis, often used when conservative treatments like physical therapy or oral medications have not provided adequate relief. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precise and safe placement of the medication.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive procedure with no surgical incision.Provides targeted, potent anti-inflammatory relief directly at the source of nerve irritation.Performed under local anesthesia, allowing for a quicker recovery than open surgery.Image-guided (fluoroscopy) for enhanced precision and safety.Can help patients avoid or delay the need for more invasive spine surgery.Often performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Cervical Radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck causing arm pain).
  • Cervical Spinal Stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
  • Herniated or Bulging Cervical Discs causing nerve root compression.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease in the cervical spine.
  • Persistent neck and arm pain not relieved by conservative measures like rest, physical therapy, or oral medications.
  • Diagnostic tool to confirm the specific source of radiating pain.

How to prepare

  • Inform your doctor of all medications, especially blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin), which may need to be paused.
  • Discuss any allergies, particularly to corticosteroids, local anesthetics, or contrast dye.
  • You may be asked to fast (no food or drink) for a few hours before the procedure.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as sedation may be used.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and remove all jewelry.
  • Your doctor will review your medical history and recent imaging (MRI, CT scan) to plan the injection.

Risks & possible complications

  • Common: Temporary increase in pain, headache, facial flushing, or insomnia.
  • Infection at the injection site (rare).
  • Bleeding or hematoma formation.
  • Nerve damage or spinal cord injury (extremely rare with image guidance).
  • Allergic reaction to the medication or contrast dye.
  • Dural puncture, potentially leading to a spinal headache.
  • Rare side effects from steroids include elevated blood sugar, fluid retention, or temporary suppression of the body's natural steroid production.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Rest for the first 24 hours; avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending.
  • You may apply ice to the injection site if there is minor soreness.
  • Pain relief may begin within a few days and can last for several weeks to months.
  • Resume normal activities and medications as directed by your doctor, typically within 1-2 days.
  • Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the injection.
  • Your doctor may recommend physical therapy after the injection to strengthen neck muscles and improve posture.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for normal activity; full therapeutic effect may take 1-2 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering cervical epidural steroid injection in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cervical epidural steroid injection compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 165 – USD 551 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 1-2 days for normal activity; full therapeutic effect may take 1-2 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 1,229 – USD 4,098 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 1-2 days for normal activity; full therapeutic effect may take 1-2 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing cervical epidural steroid injection.

  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
  • Star
5990+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

David Mehta, a 42-year-old software architect...

David Mehta, a 42-year-old software architect and father of two, has always been active, coaching his kids' soccer teams. For the past 18 months, a persistent, burning pain has radiated from his neck down his right arm, accompanied by tingling numbness in his fingers. It started after a minor car accident (a rear-end collision). Physical therapy and medications provided only fleeting relief. The constant discomfort made focusing at work a struggle and forced him to stop coaching, which deeply saddened him. His spine surgeon, after reviewing an MRI showing a herniated disc at C6-C7 pinching a nerve root, recommended a cervical epidural steroid injection to reduce inflammation and calm the nerve. David was anxious about a needle near his spine but desperate for relief. The procedure, done with X-ray guidance, involved mild pressure and a brief, sharp sensation. Over the next week, the fiery arm pain significantly diminished, and the numbness faded. He regained the ability to sit at his desk comfortably and has cautiously returned to playing with his kids in the yard. Emotionally, he moved from feeling like a sidelined spectator in his own life to hopeful and cautiously optimistic about a gradual return to his active roles.

Spine surgeons for Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection

Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform cervical epidural steroid injection and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Sunny Kamat
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. AMRITHLAL A MASCARENHAS
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ishwar Keerthi
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Somashekar D
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ajay Kumar S P
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arijit Chakraborty
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sourav Chatterjee
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated