OUR SERVICES
Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
Precision Relief for Sciatica
If you are suffering from sharp, shooting leg pain (sciatica) caused by a pinched nerve, you need a treatment that targets the source of your pain with clinical precision. A Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection (LTESI) is a specialized interventional procedure that delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the specific nerve root causing your discomfort. At New South Medical, we use this advanced technique to help patients alleviate severe nerve pain and avoid the need for spine surgery.
What is a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection?
Unlike a standard epidural injection, a "transforaminal" injection approaches the epidural space through the foramen—the small bony opening where the spinal nerve exits your spine. By placing the needle directly adjacent to the inflamed nerve root, we can deliver a high concentration of potent, anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroids) and local anesthetic precisely where the nerve is being compressed. This allows for superior relief compared to more generalized injections.
Conditions We Treat
We utilize transforaminal injections for conditions where the primary issue is nerve compression at the point where it exits the spine:
Sciatica:
Intense, radiating pain that travels down the leg, often originating from a compressed lumbar nerve.
Herniated Discs (with Nerve Impingement):
When a disc bulge directly presses on a nerve root, causing inflammation.
Foraminal Stenosis:
A narrowing of the bony opening (foramen) that restricts the nerve root, causing chronic radiating pain.
Lumbar Radiculopathy:
Inflammation of the nerve root causing weakness, numbness, or "electric shock" sensations in the lower extremities.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Your comfort, safety, and precision are our top priorities. The procedure is performed in our office-based suite and typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes.
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Preparation: You will lie comfortably on a procedure table. The target area on your lower back will be thoroughly cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
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Fluoroscopic Guidance: Using live X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), our specialists guide a fine needle toward the specific neural foramen with pinpoint accuracy.
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The Injection: A small amount of contrast dye is used to verify the needle is positioned perfectly adjacent to the compressed nerve. Once verified, we inject the therapeutic mixture of anesthetic and steroid medication to “bathe” the nerve in anti-inflammatory relief.
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Recovery: You will remain in the clinic for a brief observation period to ensure you are feeling well before being cleared to return home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is this different from a standard epidural injection?
A standard (interlaminar) epidural injection treats the broader epidural space. A Transforaminal injection is much more targeted; it places the medication closer to the specific nerve root, which is often the most effective way to treat severe, one-sided leg pain or sciatica.
How soon will I feel pain relief?
You may experience immediate relief from the local anesthetic, which often wears off after a few hours. The steroid component typically begins to reduce inflammation and provide longer-term relief within 3 to 7 days.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort. We use a local anesthetic to numb your skin, and because our providers are highly skilled in fluoroscopic guidance, the needle placement is rapid and precise.
How long does the relief last?
Results vary. For many patients, a single injection provides several months of relief, which is often enough time to allow the underlying nerve inflammation to heal. If needed, these injections can be repeated or incorporated into a broader pain management plan.