When you’re feeling pain in your back or neck, what do you do? Chances are, you reach for a prescription from your doctor. And if you’re like most people, you’ll also reach for an opioid—specifically, a transforaminal epidural steroid injection. These injections have become quite popular in recent years as a way to relieve severe pain. But is this really the best option? In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of transforaminal epidural steroid injections and help you decide if this is the right treatment for you.
What is a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection?
A transforaminal epidural steroid injection is a treatment for musculoskeletal pain that involves injecting the steroid into the epidural space inside the spinal cord. This injection can help to reduce pain and improve movement.
This type of injection is often used to treat back pain, neck pain, and other types of musculoskeletal pain. It can also be used to relieve symptoms of nerve compression, including sciatica.
The advantages of this approach over other treatments include the fact that it can be given quickly and easily. Additionally, it has few side effects, making it an option for people who are reluctant to take other medications.
How Often Can You Get a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection?
Transforaminal epidural steroid injections are a type of injection that is used to treat various conditions. Transforaminal epidural steroid injections can be used to treat back pain, sciatica, and other conditions.
The transforaminal epidural steroid injections are done through the spinal canal. This means that the injection is given into the space between the vertebrae in your back. This is a very safe procedure, and there are very few side effects associated with it.
The most common side effects of transforaminal epidural steroid injections are headache and dizziness. However, these side effects are usually mild and go away fairly quickly.
Side Effects of a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
A transforaminal epidural steroid injection is a type of epidural steroid injection that is used to treat nerve pain and other conditions. The injected steroids help to reduce inflammation and pain in the area around the spinal cord.
Side effects can depend on the person receiving the injections, but are usually mild and short-lived. These side effects include:
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Stiffness or weakness in the arms or legs
Recovery Time After a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
Transforaminal epidural steroid injections can be a very effective treatment option for various conditions, including chronic low back pain. However, there is a risk of post-injection recovery time. Here’s what you need to know about the potential side effects and how long they may last.
The most common post-injection side effects are pain, inflammation, and swelling. These symptoms typically peak within the first 24 hours after the injection and typically resolve within seven to 14 days, though occasionally they can persist for up to four weeks. Occasionally, patients also experience nausea and vomiting.
In rare cases, transforaminal epidural steroid injections can cause serious complications such as infection, meningitis, stroke, or even death. Therefore it is important to follow all post-injection instructions carefully in order to minimize the risk of these complications.
Conclusion
Transforaminal epidural steroid injections are a common treatment for patients with low back pain, and they can be done as an outpatient procedure. There are many factors that can affect how often the injections will need to be administered, such as the severity of your back pain and your response to therapy. It is important to speak with your doctor about your individual case so that you can make sure you receive the best possible care.