What is a Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection?

A lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection is a non-surgical treatment to alleviate pain in the lower back and legs. This pain often arises due to conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis that irritate or compress the spinal nerves. The injection delivers a potent anti-inflammatory medication, a corticosteroid, directly around the affected spinal nerve roots.

What Conditions Can It Treat?

This procedure is commonly used to treat conditions that cause inflammation in the lower spine, including:

Sciatica: Pain along the sciatic nerve, usually caused by a herniated disc or bone spur pressing on the nerve.

Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves.

Herniated Discs: A condition in which a disc in the lumbar spine ruptures or bulges out, pressing on the nerves.

Degenerative Disc Disease: A condition characterized by the breakdown of the intervertebral discs, the cushions between your vertebrae.

How is the Injection Administered?

The procedure can easily be performed under local anesthesia, or with a mild sedative if needed. The patient lies face down, and I use an X-ray device called a fluoroscope to guide a needle to the affected area. The needle is carefully inserted into the epidural space around the affected nerve root. Then, a mixture of a corticosteroid and anesthetic is injected. The whole process usually takes less than an hour, and patients can return home the same day.

What Are the Risks?

Like any medical procedure, lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections have potential risks. These are relatively low and may include temporary side effects like increased pain, allergic reactions, bleeding, infection, or nerve damage. However, we take every precaution to minimize these risks, including using image guidance to ensure accurate needle placement.

As a dedicated Pain Management specialist, Dr. Edward Rubin is committed to finding the best solution for patients with chronic pain. Don’t let chronic lower back or leg pain restrict your life. Call our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Edward Rubin today to explore how lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections could help restore your quality of life.