Cervical Epidural Injection for
Neck Pain Relief in Northern Virginia
A fluoroscopy-guided cervical epidural injection targets the inflamed nerve in your neck—without surgery, without a hospital stay, and without general anesthesia.
Board Certified
Neurosurgeon
15+ Years
Experience
5000+
Procedures Performed
Get In Touch
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief.
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What is a cervical epidural injection?
This is an injection in your neck. It is used when a nerve is irritated or compressed, often from a herniated disc or inflammation, which can cause pain that travels into your shoulder or arm.
During the procedure, we use live X-ray guidance (called fluoroscopy) to make sure the medication is placed exactly where it is needed. An anti-inflammatory medication is injected to help reduce swelling around the nerve. This is not surgery; it’s a quick outpatient procedure, and patients go home the same day. You will not feel the needle, as this injection is completed under LIGHT anesthesia. The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve your ability to move comfortably.
This injection puts anti-inflammatory steroid medication directly into the epidural space around that irritated nerve. Dr. Buchholz uses fluoroscopy—live X-ray imaging—the entire time, so the needle goes exactly where it needs to go. Not close. Exactly.
There's no cutting, no hospital stay. You get light sedation so you don't feel anything, and most patients are home within a couple of hours.
30 Minutes
Same Day Procedure
General Anesthesia
2-6 Weeks Recovery
What's causing your neck and arm pain?
Cervical epidural steroid injections treat several related conditions—all involving nerve irritation or compression in the cervical spine.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Nerve root compression in the neck sends pain down the arm. The injection targets swelling around the nerve directly.
Herniated Cervical Disc
A disc is pushed out of place, pressing on a nearby nerve. Reducing inflammation around it often resolves symptoms—no surgery required.
Pinched Nerve in the Neck
Whether from a disc, bone spur, or thickened ligament, the steroid calms the area so the nerve can settle down.
Tingling & Numbness
Pins and needles or patches of numbness in the fingers or hand usually indicate cervical nerve irritation. Once inflammation drops, so do the sensory symptoms.
Neck Pain Radiating to the Arm
That traveling pain follows a nerve path. Treating the source in the neck, not just the arm, is what makes the difference.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal causing chronic inflammation and nerve-related pain. Steroid injections address that inflammation directly.
Shoulder & Arm Pain from the Spine
Not all shoulder pain is a shoulder problem. If your shoulder workup keeps coming back normal, the cervical spine is worth investigating.
Key Benefits
No incision. No stitches.
A needle guided by imaging, placed exactly right. That's it.
Pain relief without surgery
Many patients skip surgery entirely after a successful injection.
Fluoroscopy precision
Live X-ray means Dr. Buchholz sees exactly where the medication lands.
Inflammation reduced
Corticosteroids get right to the swollen tissue pressing on your nerve.
Better neck mobility
When the nerve stops firing, your neck loosens. Most patients notice this within a week.
Back to life quickly
Light activity the next day. Compare that to weeks of surgical recovery.
What happens during the procedure
From arrival to discharge, here's exactly what to expect.
Arrival & prep
A nurse reviews your history and walks you through the procedure. No surprises.
Light sedation
Before anything happens, you receive light anesthesia. You won't feel the needle. Most patients say the anticipation is worse than the actual procedure.
Fluoroscopy guidance
Dr. Buchholz watches your cervical spine on a live X-ray screen. The needle goes to the exact level causing your symptoms.
Medication delivered
Corticosteroid is injected into the epidural space. It starts reducing inflammation around the nerve immediately.
Recovery monitoring — 30 to 45 min
You rest while we watch you. The light sedation clears quickly. Most people feel fine.
Home the same day
You rest while we watch you. The light sedation clears quickly. Most people feel fine.
What to expect week by week
Recovery varies, but here's how most patients progress.
Same Day
Go home. Rest.
Procedure done. Mild soreness at the injection site is normal. Skip driving — you'll need a ride.
24–48 Hours
Soreness fades.
Site soreness clears in a day or two. Some patients notice early pain improvement starting here.
1 Week
You should feel a difference.
Most patients see a meaningful reduction in neck and arm pain as the steroid reaches full effect.
Weeks–Months
Continued improvement.
Relief can last weeks to months. A second injection or PT can extend it further if needed.
Who tends to do well with this injection
A consultation with Dr. Buchholz will tell you for sure. But here's a starting point.
This is often a good fit if you have:
Neck pain traveling into the shoulder, arm, or fingers
A confirmed herniated cervical disc on MRI
Cervical radiculopathy — pinched nerve in the neck
Numbness, tingling, or arm weakness from the spine
Symptoms that haven't improved with PT or oral medication
Cervical stenosis causing nerve-related symptoms
A preference to try non-surgical options before considering surgery
May not be the right fit if you have:
- Active infection near the injection site
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- A bleeding disorder or current blood thinner use
- Known allergy to contrast dye or steroid medications
- Certain cardiac conditions
Many patients who think they're headed for surgery turn out to be good candidates for this injection. You'll get an honest assessment — no pressure either way.
Who tends to do well with this injection
A neurosurgeon, not just a pain doctor
Dr. Buchholz is board-certified in neurosurgery with fellowship spine training — uncommon in outpatient pain practices.
Two convenient locations
Falls Church and Alexandria — both easy to reach from anywhere in the DC metro area.
Honest conversations, not sales pitches
If an injection isn't your best option, you'll be told directly.
Fluoroscopy every time, no exceptions
Every cervical injection is guided by live X-ray.
Surgery is always the last resort
Minimally invasive options are exhausted first.
You're not just a chart here
Patients get real face time with Dr. Buchholz.
Expert Spine Surgeon
Dr. Avery L. Buchholz is a board-certified neurosurgeon with fellowship training in complex spine surgery. With over 15 years of experience and 5,000+ procedures performed, he specializes in both minimally invasive and complex surgical techniques.
His expertise spans the full spectrum of spine care, from non-surgical interventions to advanced reconstructive procedures, always prioritizing patient safety and optimal outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our practice and procedures
Is a cervical epidural injection painful?
Most patients say it was much easier than expected. Light sedation helps prevent discomfort.
How long does the relief last?
Some patients get relief for weeks, others for months.
Is this injection safe?
Yes — especially when performed with fluoroscopy guidance by an experienced physician.
How long does the procedure take?
Usually 15–30 minutes, with total clinic time around 1.5 to 2 hours.
What is fluoroscopy and why does it matter?
Fluoroscopy is a live X-ray that allows exact needle placement.
What's the recovery like?
Most people return to light activity the next day.
What are the risks?
Mild soreness, headache, or temporary blood sugar increases are the most common.
How many injections can I have?
Generally, up to three per year in the same spinal region.
Our Locations
Serving patients across VA and the DC area
Falls Church, VA
6400 Arlington Blvd, Suite 710
Open
Alexandria, VA
6244A Little River Turnpike
Open
Richmond, VA
Address coming soon
Opening Soon
Charlottesville, VA
Address coming soon
Opening Soon
Washington, DC
Address coming soon
Opening Soon
Get In Touch
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief.
Address
6244 Little River Turnpike, Suite 101
Alexandria, VA 22312
Phone
FAX
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
This form is intended for scheduling purposes only and is not a HIPAA-compliant form. Please avoid sharing any sensitive medical information.
By submitting, you consent to being contacted using the information provided.
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