In Which Situations Is Transforaminal Injection Used?

Transforaminal injection is used especially in the following situations:

• Lumbar disc herniation: Lumbar disc herniation is a condition that occurs as a result of compression or rupture of the discs between the vertebrae. In this case, the damaged disc puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain. Transforaminal injection relieves pain by reducing inflammation in the disc and relieving compression of nerve roots.
• Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when nerves are compressed as a result of narrowing of the spine. This narrowing may occur in the spinal canal or intervertebral foramen. Transforaminal injection aims to relieve compression of nerve roots, reducing pain.
• Sciatic nerve pain: The sciatic nerve is a nerve that runs from the lumbar region to the legs. Sciatic nerve pain is a condition caused by inflammation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Transforaminal injection relieves pain by reducing inflammation at the exit point of the sciatic nerve and relieving compression of the nerve roots.
• Other conditions: Transforaminal injection may also be used to treat other painful conditions such as intercostal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia, and vertebral metastases.

Transforaminal injection, like other interventional pain treatments, may be a temporary solution to relieve pain and should not be used as a stand-alone treatment method. However, when administered appropriately, transforaminal injection can be an effective option to relieve pain and improve the patient's quality of life.

Transforaminal injections provide a more specific treatment option than epidural injections. The procedure can target the pain of a specific nerve root because it is injected toward the specific area where the nerve roots have been damaged. Therefore, transforaminal injections are ideal for patients seeking a more specific pain management option. The transforaminal injection procedure is usually performed in a pain clinic, and the patient may receive sedation or anesthesia during the procedure. After the procedure, patients are usually observed for a few hours and then discharged. The pain relief effect after the procedure may last for several days or weeks, depending on the effect of the steroid medications.

To summarize, transforaminal injections are an interventional pain management option used to treat pain resulting from spinal diseases. The procedure is performed by injecting a mixture of local anesthetic and steroid medication into a specific area where the nerve roots are damaged. The procedure is a specific pain management option.