Transforaminal Epidural Injections

Background

  • Outpatient procedure for treating low back and leg pain.

  • Pain is caused by irritation or inflammation of the nerve “roots” (end closest to the spinal cord) due to a damaged disc or other condition pinching or irritating the nerve root.

Procedure

  • A corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) is injected from a side approach into the epidural space to reduce inflammation.

  • Corticosteroids usually take a few days to start working; however because the medication injected also includes a local anesthetic, often patients experience pain relief immediately.

  • The extent and duration of pain relief may depend on the amount of nerve root irritation.

  • Pain relief could last several weeks to months or longer.