Lower back pain affects more than 3 million individuals each year. In fact, many people in the Dallas, Texas area experience pain when they bend, lift, or twist. Lower back pain can be caused by overuse, strain, injury, aging and many other health conditions. OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine® can help patients in the Arlington, Fort Worth, and Dallas, Texas area manage their pain with the use of a transformational epidural steroid injection.
What is a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection?
A transforaminal epidural steroid injection is an injection of long acting steroid into the side of the spine where the nerve root exits; this area is known as the foramen. This injection reduces the inflammation and swelling of the spinal nerve roots, and alleviates lower back pain.
The transforaminal epidural steroid injection is a short procedure normally taking five to fifteen minutes for many patients. During that short amount of time, a physician is delivering medicine into the foramen that contains the painful nerve root. A transforaminal epidural steroid injection works immediately by numbing the nerve root. The injection is a mixture of saline, local anesthetic, and a long acting steroid medication.
How is the Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Performed?
Patients can expect to be placed on their stomach, and numbing medication injected into the back. A contrast dye is then injected and used as guidance on an X-ray. Using the X-ray guidance, the physician will then place the steroid medication mixture into the precise area being treated for lower back pain.
After the injection procedure, patients may experience heavy arms and legs, but can still actively move the limbs. Because of this, we recommend all patients arrange a ride home following the procedure.
How long will the Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Ease Pain?
The transforaminal epidural steroid injection will help ease lower back pain for several days to several months depending on individual health factors.
These injections are safe, but some patients may experience headaches, infection, nerve damage, and increased lower back pain.