Epidural steroids as a pharmacological approach

Abstract

Cervicogenic headache is a relatively common pain syndrome related to functional and/or degenerative alterations of the cervical spine tract. Administration of steroid represents an effective therapy for this headache, due to the anti-inflammatory effects combined with its direct analgesic effects on the C fibers. The epidural injection of steroids, while requesting skilled personnel for its execution, gives short term (2-month) pain relief with few risks or side effects. Moreover, epidural steroids allow reduction of analgesic drug consumption.