Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

No matter what has brought a patient to North American Spine & Pain, we aim to have them all leave the same way – healed.
Questions? Call us now (855) 862-7767 Contact Us

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive treatment designed to alleviate chronic back and nerve pain. These injections target the epidural space, a region around the spinal cord, delivering powerful anti-inflammatory steroids directly to the source of pain. By reducing inflammation, these injections can provide significant pain relief and improve mobility. The procedure is particularly effective for patients suffering from spinal conditions that cause nerve irritation or compression, offering a non-surgical option for managing discomfort and improving quality of life.

Understanding the Epidural Space

The epidural space is a critical area within the spinal column, located just outside the dura mater, the tough membrane that surrounds and protects the spinal cord and nerve roots. This space contains fatty tissue and small blood vessels, providing a cushion for the spinal cord. Inflammation in the epidural space can lead to significant pain and discomfort, often due to conditions such as herniated discs, bone spurs, and nerve compression.

The dura mater plays a protective role, safeguarding the spinal cord from external injuries. However, when there is inflammation in the epidural space, this protective layer can become compromised, resulting in pressure on the nerve roots and subsequent pain. Common causes of such inflammation include herniated discs, where the inner gel-like core of a disc protrudes out, or bone spurs, which are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones and can compress nearby nerves. Understanding the role and anatomy of the epidural space is crucial in appreciating how transforaminal epidural steroid injections can effectively reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. If you're struggling with neck pain, understanding effective management techniques can make a significant difference. By staying informed about neck pain management, you can take proactive steps toward a healthier, pain-free life.

Conditions Treated with Transforaminal Injections

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections are effective in treating a variety of spinal conditions that cause chronic pain, including:

  • Lower back pain and sciatica
  • Spinal stenosis and foraminal stenosis
  • Herniated discs and spinal compression (pinched nerves)
  • Spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, and bone spurs
  • Spinal nerve damage and radiating pain in the arms or legs

These injections provide targeted relief, addressing the inflammation and nerve compression that are often the root causes of these conditions. NASPAC offers comprehensive care and advanced treatment options to help patients achieve lasting relief from chronic spinal pain. If you're dealing with back pain, understanding effective management strategies is crucial for relief and recovery. By learning more about back pain management, you can take proactive steps toward a healthier, pain-free life.

The Transforaminal Injection Procedure

Preparation and Pre-Procedure Steps

Before undergoing a transforaminal epidural steroid injection, patients must follow specific guidelines to ensure a smooth procedure. This includes fasting for a few hours prior and adjusting certain medications as advised by the healthcare provider. For enhanced comfort, patients can opt for sedation and local anesthesia. The procedure is typically performed in a specialized room equipped with an X-ray table and fluoroscopy equipment, which allows for real-time imaging to guide the injection accurately.

During the Injection

The injection process begins with the patient positioned lying on their stomach. This position provides optimal access to the epidural space. Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray), the physician guides a thin needle to the precise location near the nerve root. To ensure correct needle placement, a small amount of contrast dye is injected. This dye helps to visualize the needle's position and confirm it is in the correct area.

Once the needle is accurately placed, the physician injects a mixture of steroid and anesthetic medications into the epidural space. The steroid helps reduce inflammation, while the anesthetic provides immediate pain relief. During the injection, patients may feel some pressure or temporary numbness, but the discomfort is generally minimal.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

After the procedure, patients are monitored for a short period to ensure their vital signs remain stable. They are advised to avoid driving and limit physical activity for the rest of the day. Initial relief from the anesthetic can be immediate, while the full effects of the steroid may take 1-2 weeks to become apparent.

At NASPAC, we prioritize patient safety and comfort throughout the entire process, ensuring each step is handled with care and precision.

Benefits and Potential Risks

Pain Relief and Improved Quality of Life

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections offer the potential for long-lasting pain relief, which can last from several weeks to months. By reducing inflammation and alleviating pressure on the nerve roots, these injections can significantly improve a patient's mobility and overall quality of life. This relief allows patients to return to their daily activities with reduced pain and increased function, making it an effective treatment for those suffering from chronic back and nerve pain.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While transforaminal epidural steroid injections are generally safe, there are potential risks and side effects to consider. Common side effects include temporary numbness, weakness, dizziness, and headaches. Although rare, there is a risk of bleeding or infection at the injection site. More serious but extremely rare complications can include nerve injury or paralysis. It is essential for patients to discuss these risks with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision about their treatment. If you’re undergoing radiofrequency ablation, understanding how this procedure can help manage your pain is crucial. Staying informed about the process and addressing any concerns with your healthcare provider will help you make the most of this effective pain management option.

Frequency and Limitations

The recommended frequency for these injections is typically 3-6 times per year, depending on the patient's condition and response to treatment. If the injections do not provide adequate relief, or if their effectiveness diminishes over time, alternative treatments may need to be considered. At NASPAC, our team is committed to helping you find the most effective and safe pain management solutions tailored to your needs. Pain management in Hainesport, NJ, and Cherry Hill, NJ provides top-notch care for chronic and acute pain sufferers. With a range of treatments from medication to advanced interventional techniques, local clinics offer personalized plans to ensure effective relief and improved quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the procedure painful?

The procedure is generally well-tolerated. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, minimizing discomfort during the injection. Some patients may feel a brief pressure or mild pain when the needle is inserted.

How long does the pain relief last?

The duration of pain relief can vary, typically lasting from several weeks to several months. The effectiveness depends on the individual's condition and response to the steroids.

What is the difference between transforaminal and interlaminar epidural injections?

Transforaminal epidural injections target the nerve roots more directly, providing focused relief. Interlaminar epidural injections deliver medication into the epidural space more generally, which can be beneficial for broader pain areas.

Can I drive myself home after the procedure?

It is recommended to have someone drive you home after the procedure. Sedation and the effects of the injection can impair your ability to drive safely.

Are there any activity restrictions after the injection?

Post-procedure, it is advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 24 hours. Normal activities can usually be resumed gradually based on comfort and the doctor's recommendations.

What should I do if my pain worsens or I experience concerning symptoms?

If you experience worsening pain, fever, infection signs, or any other concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately for advice and potential follow-up care.

Call to Action

If you're suffering from chronic back or nerve pain and haven't found relief through traditional methods, it's time to explore transforaminal epidural steroid injections. Contact NASPAC at (855) 862-7767 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a better quality of life.

Our Services

Radiofrequency Ablation

Also known as a rhizotomy, radio frequency ablations can provide long-term relief by ‘turning off’ nerve endings connected to arthritic facet joints. Overtime, the nerve endings will naturally heal, and the procedure can be performed as needed to give repeated relief.

Lumbar Epidural Injections

Lumbar Epidural Injections treat pain in the lower back or sciatica. The procedure reduces inflammation and allows for improved mobility and of the lower back and legs, so the patient can progress with their rehabilitation.

Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections

Cervical epidural steroid injections are aimed at treating neck pain derived from inflammation to cervical nerve roots. This can cause radicular pain down the arm and into the hand. CESI’s can provide short-term relief to help the patient with a rehabilitation or exercise regimen to progress further.

Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks

Lumbar medial branch blocks are used to determine the source of the patient’s lower back pain. If the patient experiences significant relief after the injection, then the procedure has successfully determined the source of the pain, and the patient can proceed with their rehabilitation regimen/additional procedures to achieve long term relief.

Cervical Medial Branch Blocks

Cervical epidural steroid injections are aimed at treating neck pain derived from inflammation to cervical nerve roots. This can cause radicular pain down the arm and into the hand. CESI’s can provide short-term relief to help the patient with a rehabilitation or exercise regimen to progress further.

Sacroiliac Injection

SI joint injections are aimed at treating lower back pain or sciatica. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can be diagnosed after an SI injection if the patient reports immediate significant pain relief.

Biacuplasty

Biacuplasty is aimed at treating chronic disc-related pain. The procedure is a type of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) that uses two thin electrode probes which are inserted into the disc. While producing the electrodes, the probes and tissue are actively cooled, and provide for less discomfort.

Celiac Plexus Block

The celiac plexus is a nerve group surrounding the aorta. The block will stop the nerves from carrying pain information to your brain, and give you relief. This procedure is commonly performed on patients who experience abdominal pain linked to or derived from cancer.

Discogram

Discograms evaluate back pain by injecting a small amount of die into the soft center of the disc. An x-ray or CT scan can identify cracks and some spots of wear and tear.

Ganglion of Impar Block

Aimed at treating pain in and round the pelvic or groin area, a ganglion of impar injection is a sympathetic block to determine if the pain is derived from the injection site or is sympathetically medicated. This procedure is typically performed twice for confirmation.

Genicular Nerve Ablation

Another type of RFA , genicular nerve ablations are used to treat osteoarthritis in the knee. The procedure is minimally invasive and can provide adequate relief for patients.

Hypogastric Plexus Block

The hypogastric plexus is a bundle of nerves at towards the bottom of your spinal cord. Blocking these nerves is typically aimed at preventing pain derived from the lower digestive or reproductive systems, or sometimes cancer. Some patients will report immediate relief after the procedure, and long-term relief after a few days.

Joint Injections

A steroid joint injection is a common injection performed directly into the area the patient is reporting pain. The length of relief is different for each patient, but long-term relief is more likely with a working physical therapy or exercise regimen.

Intercostal Nerve Block

An INB is used for treating chest pain caused by a surgical incision or shingles (herpes zoster infection). When the steroid is injected into the intercoastal nerves, located under each rib, the inflammation of the tissue is reduced, providing relief. It is advised patients do not do heavy lifting or significant physical activity in the 24 hours after the injection.

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is necessary for patients who have a fracture from osteoporosis. A small balloon is surgically inserted into the vertebrae and inflated, which returns the structure to a more normal and more compact position.

Lumbar Sympathetic Block

Sympathetic blocks to the lumbar spine help relieve sciatica and/or chronic pain that radiates down the leg and into the foot.

Microdisectomy

Herniated discs create pressure on a spinal nerve root. A microdiscectomy removes the ‘bulge’ that is identified as the reason for lower back pain, sciatica and leg pain.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression

Spinal stenosis in the lower back is when the spinal canal is narrowed and nerve fibers compressed, which causes pain and numbness. MILD removes excess bone tissue and/or ligaments compressing on the spinal cord and causing the pain. Patients are advised to rest without heavy lifting or significant activity for a few days after this procedure.

Occipital Nerve Block

Migraines or chronic headaches are usually related to occipital nerve irritation. The occipital nerves are injected through the back of the head or neck, and patients can experience relief almost immediately.

Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial

A spinal cord stimulator is a device that is sends electrical impulses through electrodes placed where the patient would typically receive an epidural for their pain relief. When the patient experiences pain, they can use a remote control to activate the stimulator.

Vertiflex

Vertiflex is a implanted device that is used to treat patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. If pressure is being applied to the nerve roots, the vertiflex implant is placed within the spine to relieve the pressure, and relieve back and leg pain.

Stellate Ganglion Block

Pain traveling through sympathetic nerves in or around the neck can be treated with a stellate ganglion block. This injection is used for patients who experience causalgia, shingles, reflex sympathetic dystrophy or decreased blood flow to the heart.

Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG SCS)

The dorsal root ganglion nerves connect the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, which contain sensory neurons, to the rest of the nervous system. Stimulating these nerves allows for greater precision when dealing with lower body pain.

WE'RE A PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY

Let’s get you to the right location

Serving the tri-state area since 2014

Brooklyn New York Location

Bronx New York Location

Address:
2356 University Ave.
Bronx, NY 10456

Phone: (929) 734-5049
Fax: (929) 734-5048

Appointment: Bronx Clinic

Kew Gardens New York Location

Hainesport New Jersey Location

Address:
404 Creek Crossing Blvd,
Hainesport, NJ 08036

Phone: (609) 845-3988
Fax: (609) 288-6078

Appointment: Hainesport Clinic
X5G2+3F Hainesport, New Jersey

Cherry Hill New Jersey Location

Address:
1601 Kings Hwy N Suite 800,
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

Phone: (856) 888-2602
Fax: (856) 528-2610

Appointment:  Cherry Hill Clinic WX8V+F5 Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Langhorne Pennsylvania Location

Address:
940 Town Center Dr Suite F - 50,
Langhorne, PA 19047

Phone: (267) 352-3990
Fax: (267) 352-3993

Appointment: Langhorne Clinic
54QC+CX Langhorne, Pennsylvania

Blackwood New Jersey Location

Address:
160 Fries Mill Rd,
Washington Township, NJ 08012

Phone: (856) 516-4566
Fax: (856) 516-4577

Appointment: Washington Twp Clinic
PXR3+4F Washington Township, New Jersey

Willow Grove Pennsylvania Location

Address:
2325 Maryland Rd Suite 100,
Willow Grove, PA 19090

Phone: (215) 657-1315
Fax: (215) 659-8964

Appointment: Willow Grove Clinic
5V77+4W Willow Grove, Pennsylvania

Bala Cynwyd Pa Location

Address:
100 Presidential Blvd,
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004

Phone: (484) 436-2123
Fax: (484) 436-2338

Appointment: Bala Cynwd Clinic
2Q6P+HP Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

Princeton New Jersey Location

Address:
707 Alexander Rd,
Princeton, NJ 08540

Phone: (609) 356-0744
Fax: (609) 356-0120

Appointment: Princeton Clinic
89F6+7W Princeton, New Jersey

Toms River New Jersey Location

Address:
202 NJ-37 STE 6,
Toms River, NJ 08755

Phone: (732) 503-4373
Fax: (732) 851-1660

Appointment: Toms River Clinic
XQ8G+V3 Toms River, New Jersey

Paoli Pennsylvania Location

Address:
2 Industrial Blvd Suite 210,
Paoli, PA 19301

Phone: (484) 879-6508
Fax: (484) 879-6509

Appointment: Paoli Clinic
2GV2+CW Paoli, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Location

Address:
1000 Integrity Dr,
Penn Hills, PA 15235

Phone: (412) 723-1566
Fax: (412) 871-0279

Appointment: Penn Hills Clinic
F55G+85 Penn Hills, Pennsylvania

Newark Delaware Location

Address:
2600 Glasgow Ave # 126,
Newark, DE 19702

Phone: (302) 439-3063
Fax: (302) 300-3502

Appointment: Newark DE Clinic
H7X4+P3 Newark, Delaware

Northfield New Jersey Location

Address:
2605 Shore Rd Ste 203b,
Northfield, NJ 08225

Phone: (609) 910-5990
Fax: (609) 910-5989

Appointment: Northfield Clinic
9C5R+R6 Northfield, New Jersey

Wexford Pennsylvania Location

Address:
9000 Brooktree Rd, #110
Wexford, PA 15090

Phone: (412) 203 8779

Appointment: Wexford Clinic
F55G+85 Penn Hills, Pennsylvania

East Orange New Jersey Location

Address:
240 Central Ave 3rd floor
East Orange, NJ 07018

Phone: (862) 206-5230
Fax: (973) 577-7610

Appointment: East Orange, NJ Clinic
H7X4+P3 East Orange, NJ

Buffalo New York Location

Address:
468 Delaware Ave., Suite C, Flr 2
Buffalo, NY 14202

Phone: (716) 468-1180
Fax: (716) 456-1181

Appointment: Buffalo, NY Clinic
Buffalo, NY Clinic

Bayonne New Jersey Location

Address:
29 E 29th St
Bayonne, NJ 07002

Phone: (862) 206-5230
Fax: (973) 577-7610

Appointment: Bayonne, NJ Clinic

Sign up for our Newsletter

Subscription Form
North American Spine and Pain Consultants Logo

Copyright © North American Medical Associates. All Rights Reserved