Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection in Plano, TX
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TFESI Injections in Plano, TX
If you’re suffering from debilitating back pain or other symptoms caused by certain spinal conditions, you may benefit from a transforaminal epidural steroid injection. At the Advanced Spine Center, our team of board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons in Plano understand the impact of spinal disorders on your quality of life. That’s why we offer cutting-edge surgical and nonsurgical solutions.
Our goal is to provide effective relief from pain and restore function to our patients and their spines. Transforaminal steroid injections may be the answer you’ve been searching for when it comes to back pain solutions. To schedule an appointment with us about your pain, please call our office at 972-499-5457 today.
What Is a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection?
Transforaminal epidural steroid injections are injections of a steroid-anesthetic medication. The medication can reduce swelling and inflammation of irritated spinal nerves. This procedure is performed to relieve pain in the lower back and pain that radiates from the back to the legs. The injection takes only a few minutes to complete.
Interlaminar vs Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
Interlaminar and transforaminal epidural steroid injections are both common procedures used to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with spinal conditions. They differ in their approach and target areas within the spine.
In an interlaminar epidural steroid injection, the steroid medication is injected into the epidural space between the laminae of adjacent vertebrae. This injection targets a broader area of the epidural space and can affect multiple nerve roots and spinal segments simultaneously.
It is typically used for conditions such as spinal stenosis, disc herniation, or generalized spinal pain. The epidural needle is inserted through the back, usually under fluoroscopic guidance, to ensure accurate placement.
Transforaminal epidural steroid injections involve the injection of steroid medication directly into the neural foramen. This is the opening through which the spinal nerve exits the spinal canal. This injection targets a specific spinal nerve root and is useful for pain localized to a specific nerve root.
The needle is inserted through the neural foramen, allowing the medication to reach the affected nerve root directly. These provide more targeted relief compared to interlaminar injections.
Transforaminal vs Epidural Steroid Injection
The main difference between regular epidural corticosteroid injections and transforaminal epidural steroid injections lies in their target areas within the spine. Regular epidural injections target the broader epidural space, while transforaminal injections target specific nerve roots as they exit the spinal canal through the neural foramen. The choice between these procedures depends on the specific diagnosis, location of pain, and the preference of the treating physician.
Types of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections
Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) are a specialized form of epidural injection used to target specific spinal nerve roots as they exit the spinal canal through the neural foramen. They are often used as a form of pain management for certain spinal conditions. There are several types of TFESIs, each tailored to address pain and inflammation in different regions of the spine.
Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
Lumbar transforaminal epidural injections are administered into the lumbar spine, targeting nerve roots in the lower back region. These injections are commonly used to treat conditions such as lumbar radiculopathy, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis that cause pain radiating down the legs. By delivering steroid medication directly to the affected nerve roots, they aim to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with these conditions.
Thoracic Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
A thoracic transforaminal injection targets nerve roots in the thoracic spine, which is the region of the spine located between the cervical and lumbar spine. Although less common than lumbar or cervical injections, these may be used to address conditions such as thoracic radiculopathy, herniated discs, or vertebral fractures that cause pain in the chest, abdomen, or upper back. These injections provide targeted relief by delivering medication to the specific nerve roots affected by the underlying condition.
Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
Cervical transforaminal injections are performed in the cervical spine, targeting nerve roots in the neck region. They are commonly used to treat conditions such as cervical radiculopathy, disc herniation, or foraminal stenosis that cause pain radiating down the arms. They aim to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain by delivering steroid medication directly to the affected cervical nerve roots, providing targeted relief for patients experiencing symptoms in the arms, shoulders, or neck.
Bilateral Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
Bilateral transforaminal epidural steroid injections involve administering medication into both sides of the spine, targeting nerve roots on both sides of the neural foramina. These injections may be performed at any level of the spine (lumbar, thoracic, or cervical) and are often used when symptoms are bilateral or when a broader area of the spine needs to be treated. Bilateral injections provide comprehensive relief by addressing spinal pain and inflammation on both sides, offering patients more balanced and symmetrical symptom management.
What Can a TFESI Be Used to Treat?
TFESIs can treat a wide variety of spinal conditions that cause back pain, leg pain, nerve root pain, and inflammation. They are particularly effective for treating conditions associated with compression or irritation of spinal nerve roots. Some of the conditions that we treat with TFESIs include the following.
- Radiculopathy
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint syndrome
- Post-surgical pain
How Can I Prepare for the Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure?
In preparation for transforaminal epidural steroid injections, the patient lies face down. A cushion is placed under the abdomen, which causes the spine to bend in a way that opens the spaces on the sides of the spine. These spaces are called the foramina.
What Happens During a TFESI Procedure?
During a transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) procedure, the patient typically lies face down on an x-ray table to allow the healthcare provider easy access to the spine. The procedure is usually performed under fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance to ensure precise needle placement and accurate delivery of medication to the targeted nerve root.
Anesthetic Injected
Before the procedure begins, we clean and sterilize the injection site. We administer a local anesthetic to numb and provide temporary pain relief for the skin and the tissue that covers the spine. This helps to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Needle Inserted into the Epidural Space
Using fluoroscopy, the healthcare provider identifies the specific vertebral level and neural foramen corresponding to the affected nerve root. The patient’s skin may be marked to indicate the injection site and guide needle placement.
Once the injection site is identified, the healthcare provider carefully inserts a thin needle through the skin and soft tissues and advances it toward the targeted neural foramen. Fluoroscopy is used continuously to guide the needle into the precise position, ensuring that it reaches the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord adjacent to the affected nerve root.
Contrast Solution Injected
Before administering the steroid medication, a contrast dye may be injected through the needle to confirm the correct placement of the needle tip within the epidural space. Fluoroscopy allows the healthcare provider to visualize the contrast dye spreading around the targeted nerve root, confirming accurate needle placement.
Medication Injected
Once the correct needle position is confirmed, the steroid medication (usually a combination of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic) is slowly injected into the epidural space. The medication bathes the affected nerve root, reducing nerve root inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with nerve compression or irritation.
End of Procedure
After the injection, the needle is carefully withdrawn, and a small bandage may be applied to the injection site. The patient is typically observed for a short period in the recovery area to monitor for any immediate adverse reactions or complications. Patients usually go home the same day as the procedure.
Patients may experience temporary numbness or weakness in the affected extremities due to the local anesthetic. This will wear off within a few hours. Many patients feel significant relief after one injection. Some patients may need multiple injections before they feel the full benefit of the medication.
How Long Does It Take for a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection to Work?
In general, patients may experience some immediate relief from the local anesthetic component of the injection. This can provide temporary numbing of the affected nerve and immediate pain relief. However, the steroid medications in the injection typically take some time to exert their full anti-inflammatory effects and provide more sustained pain relief.
For some individuals, the effects of a TFESI may be felt within a few days to a week after the procedure as the corticosteroid medication begins to reduce inflammation and swelling around the affected nerve root.
However, it’s important to note that the full effects of the steroid medication may take up to two weeks or even longer to develop fully. Additionally, the duration of pain relief can vary, with some patients experiencing relief for several weeks to several months following a TFESI.
In some cases, a single TFESI may provide sufficient relief, while others may require a series of injections spaced over several weeks to achieve optimal pain management. The healthcare provider may also recommend additional treatments or therapies, such as physical therapy or medications, to complement the effects of the TFESI and further improve symptoms over time.
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Side Effects
Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) are generally considered safe procedures, but like any medical intervention, they carry some potential risks and side effects. Some potential side effects include the following.
- Injection site discomfort
- Temporary numbness or weakness
- Facial flushing
- Temporary increase in pain
- Allergic reactions
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Elevated blood sugar levels
How Painful Is a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection?
Generally, TFESIs are considered to be relatively well-tolerated procedures, and many patients report experiencing only mild discomfort during the injection. Some factors that may affect the level of pain patients experience include needle size, technique, and patient positioning. Pain medicine may help with any lingering discomfort after the procedure.
How Often Can You Get a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection?
Typically, a patient can receive three to six transforaminal epidural steroid injections annually. Those who struggle with chronic pain may benefit from multiple injections per year. Others may only need one epidural injection a year.
Patients are limited to a certain number of injections per year because, with repeated injections, there is a chance of weakening the spinal bones and nearby muscles.
Achieve Back Pain Relief with TFESI Injections at the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX
As leaders in orthopedic spine care in Plano, TX, at the Advanced Spine Center, we understand the importance of finding effective solutions for managing spinal pain and improving quality of life. Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) are just one of the many innovative treatment options we offer to our patients.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward relief from your spinal symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced spine specialists. Together, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Contact us today at 972-499-5457 to learn more about TFESIs and how they can help you regain control of your spine health.
