High thoracic erector spinae plane block for cervical radicular pain: Does steroid addition enhance outcomes?: A retrospective comparative study

Cervical radicular pain caused by cervical disc herniation is a common condition that markedly impairs quality of life. This retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of high thoracic erector spinae plane block (ESPB) alone versus ESPB combined with steroids in treating unilateral cervical radicular pain caused by cervical disc herniation. Medical records of 89 patients with unilateral cervical radicular pain (C5, C6, or C7 nerve roots) who received ESPB at the T1 level with local anesthetic alone (group L, n = 42) or in combination with steroids (group S, n = 47) were retrospectively analyzed. Pain intensity was measured using the numerical rating scale, and functional impairment was assessed with the neck disability index at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks post-procedure. Both treatment groups showed significant reductions in numerical rating scale and neck disability index scores compared with baseline (P < .001). However, between-group comparisons showed no statistically significant difference at 4th and 12th weeks (P > .05). High thoracic ESPB provides effective pain relief and functional improvement in patients with cervical radicular pain, with superior outcomes when steroids are added. This study supports ESPB as a safe alternative treatment for cervical radicular pain, particularly when combined with steroids. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to validate these findings.