Cervical Injection Therapy New Jersey

Targeted Neck Pain Relief Without Surgery

Neck pain can make even the simplest activities uncomfortable. Turning your head while driving, sleeping through the night, working at a computer, or lifting everyday objects can become difficult when pain spreads into your shoulder, arm, or hand.

If medication, rest, or physical therapy haven’t provided enough relief, cervical injection therapy may help reduce inflammation, relieve pressure on irritated nerves, and improve your ability to move comfortably.

For nearly 30 years, NJ pain specialist Dr. Todd Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey manage chronic neck pain using advanced image guided cervical injections. Every procedure is carefully tailored to your diagnosis and performed using fluoroscopic guidance for precise medication placement.

What Is Cervical Injection Therapy?

Cervical injection therapy includes several minimally invasive procedures designed to diagnose and treat pain originating in the neck.

Depending on the source of your symptoms, injections may reduce inflammation, calm irritated nerves, or help identify the exact structure responsible for your pain.

Because different neck conditions require different treatments, Dr. Todd Koppel first performs a thorough evaluation before recommending the most appropriate injection.

Conditions Commonly Treated

Cervical injection therapy is often recommended for patients with:

• Chronic neck pain
• Pinched nerves
• Herniated discs
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Arthritis of the neck
• Facet joint pain
• Spinal stenosis
• Pain traveling into the shoulder or arm
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers

These procedures are commonly used after conservative treatments such as medication or physical therapy have not provided lasting relief.

Types of Cervical Injections

Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection

This epidural steroid medication is delivered into the epidural space surrounding the nerve roots in the neck. Most effective for herniated discs and nerve root compression causing arm pain, numbness, or tingling.

Cervical Facet Joint Injection

The facet joints at the back of each cervical vertebra are a common but often overlooked source of chronic neck pain, especially in patients with a history of whiplash or cervical arthritis. A facet injection delivers medication directly into the affected joint.

Cervical Medial Branch Block

Targets the small nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints. Serves as both a treatment and a diagnostic test. If a medial branch block provides significant relief, it confirms that the facet joints are the pain source and that the patient may benefit from radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting results.

Selective Nerve Root Block

When a specific nerve root is compressed by a herniated disc or bone spur, a selective nerve root block delivers medication directly around that nerve. Provides rapid relief and confirms which nerve level is responsible for symptoms.

What to Expect

Before Your Procedure

Before treatment, Dr. Koppel will review your symptoms, imaging studies, medications, and previous treatments to determine which injection is most appropriate.

You’ll receive instructions regarding eating, medications, and transportation before your appointment.

During Your Procedure

The skin is numbed with local anesthetic before the needle is carefully guided into position using live fluoroscopic imaging.

Most patients describe feeling pressure rather than pain.

The procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Sedation is available for patients who feel anxious.

After Your Procedure

Most patients return home shortly after treatment.

Temporary soreness for a day or two is common.

The local anesthetic may provide immediate short term relief, while the steroid medication generally begins working within three to seven days.

Many patients return to normal daily activities the following day.

Why Choose Dr. Todd Koppel?

The success of cervical injection therapy depends on identifying the correct source of pain and placing medication precisely where it is needed.

Dr. Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey manage chronic neck pain using advanced interventional pain management techniques.

Patients choose Dr. Koppel because he offers:

• Nearly 30 years of experience performing cervical spine injections
• Fellowship training at the Hospital for Special Surgery
• Advanced fluoroscopic image guidance for greater precision
• Personalized treatment plans based on your diagnosis
• A conservative approach focused on helping patients avoid surgery whenever possible
• Compassionate care with time to answer your questions

At Garden State Pain Management, every treatment begins with understanding the source of your pain so the most appropriate procedure can be recommended.