INC Health & CONSULTING
What is Epidural Foraminal Injection?
The transforaminal epidural injection method is a new epidural steroid injection developed in recent years. It is the process of injecting steroids into the epidural space through the bone opening (foramen) in the nerve roots. This process, which temporarily narcoticizes the nerves, reduces the pain and inflammation. The transforaminal epidural injection is injected diagonally and placed very close to where nerve compression occurs. This close placement makes it more beneficial than other types of injections. This injection is also called a transforaminal epidural block.
In Which Situations Is Transforaminal Epidural Injection Applied?
The transforaminal epidural injection can be applied to relieve chronic pain in the back and lumbar region, arms, and legs. The primarily applied disorders are listed as follows;
- Hernia disorders,
- Disc degenerations
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Spondylolysis
- Radiculopathy
Transforaminal Epidural injections give the body the needed time to recover. When supported with physiotherapy exercises, it reduces the risk of surgery. These injections are also used to understand which nerve root is problematic.
How is Transforaminal Epidural Injection Applied?
Before the injection is applied, the area where the pain is felt is cleaned with an antiseptic. If needed, local anesthesia can also be performed. The needle is injected into the problematic point determined according to the x-ray images.
What are the Benefits of Transforaminal Epidural Injection?
The injection, which is applied as close as possible to the nerve compression, is very useful in relieving the pain of the damaged area. The administration of this injection contributes to maintaining mental and physical health and increasing the quality of life. It delays the need for possible surgery.
What Are the Risks of Transforaminal Epidural Injection?
Complications caused by Transforaminal Epidural injection are infrequent. It contains average risks that can be seen in every health operation. The most common complication is injection pain, which occurs after the effect of anesthesia. Although rare, side effects such as headache, bleeding, and swelling can be seen at the injection site.
What is the Post-Transforaminal Epidural Injection Process?
After the injection, mild pain and numbness may be felt in the application area. It is normal to feel slight pain after the effect of the anesthesia is over. In the next 24-48 hours, the injection shows its effect. Resting the patient the day after the injection is a factor that increases the application’s success.
How Long Does the Effect of Transforaminal Epidural Injection Last?
The injection, which starts to show its effect the day after administration, usually lasts for several months. In this process, supporting it with the right exercises helps maintain its effect. Transforaminal Epidural Injection can be re-administered if needed.