Cervical Epidural Injection in the Management of Refractory Pain and Stiffness in Spondyloarthropathy: A Case Report Series

Pain Pract. 2018 Apr;18(4):532-538. doi: 10.1111/papr.12616. Epub 2017 Nov 20.

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this case series was to report the use of cervical epidural steroid injection in the management of neck pain and stiffness secondary to spondyloarthropathy in cases refractory to conservative therapy.

Methods: This was a case report series on three patients with diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy who presented with severe stiffness and non-radicular axial neck pain refractory to conservative therapy. All patients received cervical epidural steroid injections with significant improvement of their axial neck pain and stiffness.

Results: Cervical epidural steroid injections may be effective to improve the axial neck pain and stiffness in patients with diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy refractory to conservative management. Thus, we believe that epidural steroid injections should be considered in the management of patients with spondyloarthopathies.

Keywords: ankylosing spondylitis; epidural injection; neck pain; psoriatic arthritis; spondyloarthropathy; stiffness.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage*
  • Cervical Vertebrae
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Epidural
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck Pain / drug therapy
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Pain, Intractable / drug therapy*
  • Spondylarthropathies / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones