Does epidural steroid injection treat cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve leaving the neck becomes irritated or compressed, causing pain, pins and needles, or altered sensation into the shoulder, arm, or hand. The injection places anti-inflammatory medicine near the affected nerve. It may make symptoms easier to manage while the neck recovers and while you work on posture, mobility, and strength. It does not remove a disc problem or widen a narrowed space. Diagnosis relies on your history and neurological examination, with imaging when appropriate. Explore [Cervical Radiculopathy](/conditions/cervical-radiculopathy/) and [Epidural Steroid Injection](/treatments/spine-care/epidural-steroid-injection/).

Discuss the procedure with a clinician experienced in neck and nerve conditions. Mention arm weakness, clumsiness, balance changes, allergies, infection, bleeding problems, and all medicines. Clarify the injection approach, expected recovery, activity limits, and alternatives. Follow the agreed exercise plan and avoid movements that sharply increase arm symptoms. Arrange review if pain, sensation, or function does not improve as expected.

Seek urgent assessment for rapidly worsening arm or hand weakness, new difficulty walking, loss of coordination, or problems controlling urine or stool. Severe neck pain after trauma, fever, or a worsening wound after an injection also needs prompt medical attention. These signs can indicate a problem requiring more than symptom relief.

Which nerve appears affected? Is my strength stable? What symptoms would make the injection unsuitable? How will we judge improvement, and when should I be reviewed?