Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection or Selective Nerve Root Block

A Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of a steroid-anesthetic medication through an opening at the side of the spine where a nerve root exits, known as the foramen. The medication can reduce swelling and inflammation around the nerve root, thus reducing pain and other symptoms caused by such irritation or inflammation.

Who is a Candidate for a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection?

This treatment is often recommended for patients experiencing chronic pain due to conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve root compression (pinched nerves). At SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine, our team performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine if a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection is the most suitable treatment for your specific condition.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 30 minutes. Our pain specialist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the injection site, then under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, the steroid-anesthetic medication will be accurately injected into the foramen where the nerve root is being compressed.

Patients often experience immediate pain relief following the procedure and are usually able to return home on the same day. Full benefits from the injection are typically felt within a few days once the steroid begins to work.

Why Choose SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine?

Our team at SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine is highly experienced in performing Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections, ensuring safe and effective care. We believe in educating our patients, providing detailed explanations about the procedure, addressing all concerns, and offering comprehensive aftercare instructions for a smooth recovery.

Our primary goal is to help manage your chronic pain and improve your overall quality of life. If you’re suffering from chronic spinal pain and are interested in learning more about the Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection, please contact us at SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine to schedule a consultation. We’re committed to supporting you on your journey towards a life with less chronic pain.

Advanced Nerve Blocks for Targeted Pain Relief

At SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors, we offer highly targeted nerve blocks to diagnose and treat specific pain generators. Dr. Priscilla Agbenyefia utilizes fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance to deliver precise pain-relieving medication directly to the affected nerve.

How Nerve Blocks Work

A nerve block involves injecting a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid near a specific nerve or group of nerves. The anesthetic provides immediate relief by numbing the area, while the steroid reduces inflammation for long-lasting benefits. Nerve blocks serve two primary purposes:

  • Diagnostic: By temporarily numbing a specific nerve, we can confirm whether it is the true source of your pain.
  • Therapeutic: The steroid component provides extended relief from inflammation and irritation, allowing you to participate in physical therapy and daily activities.

Common Types of Nerve Blocks

We offer a comprehensive range of nerve blocks at our Georgia locations (Peachtree Corners, Buford, Decatur, and Athens), including:

  • Selective Nerve Root Blocks: Targeted injections around a specific spinal nerve root, often used for sciatica and radiculopathy.
  • Medial Branch Blocks: Diagnostic injections for facet joint pain in the neck or back.
  • Occipital Nerve Blocks: Effective for treating tension headaches and occipital neuralgia.
  • Intercostal Nerve Blocks: Used for chest wall pain or post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles).
  • Sympathetic Nerve Blocks: Targeted at the sympathetic nervous system for conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

What to Expect During the Procedure

Nerve blocks are minimally invasive, outpatient procedures. We use advanced imaging (fluoroscopy or ultrasound) to ensure the needle is placed with pinpoint accuracy. The procedure typically takes only 15-30 minutes. You may experience immediate relief from the local anesthetic, followed by longer-lasting relief as the steroid takes effect over the next few days.

If you are struggling with localized pain, contact SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors at (470) 275-3626 to discuss whether a targeted nerve block could provide the relief you need.