Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/30/2007

Question
I was wondering ,I have bone spurs on several dicsc on my neck which looked like one was hitting a nerve.
Would a lumbar epedural shot help this pain.
If it didn't help would that mean I don't have anything hitting a nerve in the neck area or does it just take care of the lumbar area.

Answer
Hi there
Sorry but a lumbar epidural would not help with pains in your neck. The epidural depends on placing a dose of steroid close to the area affected to help the discomfort.
It is possible for a specialist to do a cervical epidural i.e. place it in your neck. You really want someone who has extensive experience to do this.
The next question is - does it work?
Well it can help but the numbers gaining benefit are not huge.
Hope this helps
Dr Ian Jackson