Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

To begin this procedure, the patient will be lying face down with a cushion placed under the abdomen. The cushion is placed in order to allow spaces around the side of the spine to open up, which is only possible in this kind of position. The injection site is numbed, and a needle guided with the help of a fluoroscope is gently pushed into the skin. The fluoroscope, along with a contrasting dye, helps the doctor confirm the needle is in the precise position needed for the injection of the steroid. Once confirmed, the medication is injected, which bathes the irritated nerve roots and helps relieve pressure and inflammation, resulting in alleviated pain.

One the needle is removed, a bangade is placed to cover the injection site. Many feel immediate relief and may have their lumbar pain solved with just one injection – though others may need several injections in order to benefit from the full effects.