Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections in Louisiana
A lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection is an outpatient procedure that delivers a steroid-anesthetic medication directly to an irritated spinal nerve where it exits the spine. It relieves lower back pain and pain that radiates into the legs, and the injection takes only a few minutes. LA Pain Doctor offers this precise treatment for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentA Targeted Approach to Nerve Pain
Each spinal nerve leaves the spine through a small opening called the foramen. When a Herniated Disc, bone spur, or narrowing from foraminal stenosis squeezes the nerve at this opening, it becomes inflamed and can send pain down one leg. A transforaminal injection places medication right next to that specific nerve root, delivering a concentrated dose exactly where it is needed.
Who May Benefit
- Patients with one-sided leg pain from sciatica
- Those with a herniated disc compressing a single nerve root
- Patients with foraminal stenosis or bone spurs
- People with nerve pain from Degenerative Disc Disease
- Patients who need help identifying which nerve is causing their pain
What to Expect
You will lie face down on the procedure table. After the skin is numbed, your provider uses X-ray guidance to direct a thin needle to the foramen of the affected nerve. Contrast dye confirms the medication will flow along the nerve root, and then the steroid and anesthetic are injected. The injection itself takes only a few minutes.
Because the anesthetic numbs the specific nerve, immediate relief can also help confirm which nerve is responsible for your symptoms. The steroid reduces inflammation over the next several days, and relief may last weeks to months.
Other Epidural Options
Depending on your condition, your provider may instead recommend an interlaminar lumbar epidural steroid injection for broader coverage or a caudal epidural steroid injection for patients with prior back surgery. For chronic nerve pain that returns despite injections, a spinal cord stimulator trial may be considered. Explore our lower back pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
What makes a transforaminal injection different?
It delivers medication directly to a specific nerve root as it exits the spine, providing a highly targeted treatment for one-sided nerve pain.
How long does the injection take?
The injection itself takes only a few minutes, and you can usually go home within an hour.
Will this help pain that goes down one leg?
Yes. Transforaminal injections are especially effective for one-sided leg pain caused by a pinched nerve.
How long does relief last?
Relief often lasts several weeks to months, and the injection can be repeated if needed.
Can the injection help diagnose my pain?
Yes. Immediate relief after numbing a specific nerve helps confirm which nerve is causing your symptoms.
Are there side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as soreness, flushing, or brief leg numbness.
Where can I get this injection?
LA Pain Doctor performs lumbar transforaminal epidural injections at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Target Your Nerve Pain at the Source
Precise relief for sciatica is available. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.