Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections are an alternative to more traditional treatments for back pain. Also known as TFESI, the therapy is used extensively to treat pain associated with spinal stenosis and herniated discs. If you are suffering from either type of back pain, you might be curious about TFESI.

The procedure is considered minimally invasive due to the fact that it relies on a simple injection to relieve pain. It is accomplished by injecting a combination of steroids and anesthetic into the back. The anesthetic provides some immediate relief while the steroids work to reduce inflammation over time.

According to Lone Star Pain Medicine in Weatherford, TX, significantly reducing inflammation is often enough to allow the back to heal on its own. So with one or two TFESI procedures, some patients go on to experience complete relief.

How the Procedure Is Performed

In terms of what patients should expect from TFESI, let us start with how the procedure is performed. The doctor begins by using medical imaging to locate the site of the injury. More often than not, a doctor chooses fluoroscopy.

Once the site is identified, a local anesthetic is utilized to numb the skin and surface tissue. The doctor then uses the fluoroscope to guide a needle to the correct position before injecting the steroid and anesthetic solution.

The needle is then removed and the site bandaged. Doctors will typically want to monitor a patient for at least some time following the procedure. The procedure itself should take no more than half an hour. An additional 30 minutes of patient monitoring is not abnormal.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Following the procedure and observation time, a patient is released. Some patients will need someone to drive them home due to the discomfort of the injection. Others can drive themselves.

Doctors tend to recommend only light activity for the first 24 hours following the procedure. Resting is a good idea given the goal of reducing inflammation to relieve pain. Otherwise, too much activity could only promote further inflammation.

Most patients are able to resume normal activity within a couple of days of the procedure. However, some pain and discomfort as a result of the injection may linger for a few days after that.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

TFESI is considered a safe procedure due to its minimally invasive nature. There are few risks in terms of serious complications. However, there are some manageable side effects associated with TFESI. They include:

• A temporary increase in pain
• Bleeding or infection at the injection site
• Allergic reactions to the medication

In extremely rare cases, a botched procedure could lead to spinal cord injury or paralysis. But this is not a grave concern that should prevent someone from considering TFESI. Doctors use fluoroscopy to correctly guide needle placement so as to avoid spinal injury. Such injuries are extremely rare.

Expected Pain Relief

Patients should be realistic about the pain relief they expect. Anesthetic provides temporary relief at the moment the injection is conducted. However, relief facilitated by the steroid medication can take anywhere from 24-72 hours to kick in.

Pain relief can last anywhere from several weeks to several months. Especially persistent cases may require injections up to four times a year to maintain consistent relief. As always, success rates vary among patients.

TFESI has proven itself to be a good option over many years of use. If you are experiencing chronic back pain, make an appointment to see a specialist who can advise you about this treatment. It could be exactly what you need to start feeling better.