I am not sure how far the medication travels. The injection is for the inflammation of nerve roots so I doubt that it will help with muscle pain although I could be wrong.
The epidural space membrane that covers the spine and nerve roots in the neck is called the dura membrane. The space surrounding the dura is the epidural space. Nerves travel through the epidural space to the neck, shoulder and arms.
An epidural injection places anti-inflammatory medicine into the epidural space to decrease inflammation of the nerve roots, hopefully reducing the pain in the neck, shoulders and arms. The epidural injection may help the injury to heal by reducing inflammation. It may provide permanent relief or provide a period of pain relief for several months while the injury/cause of pain is healing.
These injections are usually done in a series of three (3), about two (2) weeks apart. The arms and hands may feel weak or numb for a few hours. This is to be expected, however it does not always happen.
Most patients actually respond to just 1-2 injections; therefore, they should not be routinely performed in a "series of three".
Hi Sue: I'm so sorry you're having this pain. I get neck injections as well. Mine usually last a few months. Have you asked your doctor these questions?
Hopefully someone who knows more will answer you. I hope you get relief soon,