• Upper Body Conditions

About Procedure

The lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection is a procedure done on an outpatient basis that involves the combination of a steroid-anesthetic medication. When applied, the medication can help minimize the swelling and inflammation that take place in the spinal nerves.

Overall, the procedure aims to provide relief to the patient from the pain experienced in the lower back and that further spreads downwards towards the legs. The timeframe for the completion of the completion lasts a couple of minutes.


Prior to the commencement of the procedure, the patient is directed to lie face down with a cushion positioned beneath the abdomen in order to allow the spine to bend and provide an opening to the spaces on the side of the spine. Those spaces are referred to as foramina. Once that is done, a local anesthetic is injected into the area in order to numb the skin as well as the tissues that envelop the spine.

Once the numbing has occurred, a needle is inserted through the skin into the foraminal space that covers the nerve root experiencing the irritation. Through the needle, a contrast solution is then injected into that space with the assistance of a fluoroscope. The fluoroscope is used to help ensure the needle is accurately positioned in the right spot. Once that is ascertained, the mix of steroid-anesthetic medication is then injected, bathing the nerve roots experiencing irritation. This is done to help the patient experience pain relief.

Following the completion of the procedure, the needle is removed and bandages are applied to the site where the injection took place. In some cases, the patient may experience pain relief after only treatment. In other cases, the patient may require multiple injections in order to reap the full benefits of the procedure. As this procedure is done on an outpatient basis, the patient is released on the same day.

Online Simple Step For Appointment

Make Appointment
01

Make Appointment

If you need any Help in booking an appointment, please call Us
Select Doctor
02

Select Doctor

Select one from list and go through the doctor's profile and opined doctors
Get Consultation
03

Get Consultation

Connect instantly with a 24x7 specialist or choose to video visit a particular doctor.

    What Hurts?

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

    A combination of local anesthetics (to numb pain) and opioids (to provide stronger pain control) is commonly used. The mix is tailored according to each patient’s condition and level of pain.

    Doctors may recommend an epidural when oral or intravenous pain medicines are no longer providing adequate relief, or when side effects from systemic medications become difficult to manage.

    Most patients feel only mild pressure or discomfort during the procedure. Risks are minimal when performed by a trained pain specialist, though possible complications include infection, bleeding, or temporary numbness.

    In some cases, patients can manage a portable epidural pump at home under close supervision by a healthcare team. Regular follow-ups ensure proper functioning and safety.

      What Hurts?

      • Upper Body Conditions

      Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection