At the FHW Pain Specialist clinic, Epidural steroid injections are another common treatment for managing chronic pain in the lower back and legs. There are two main types of epidural steroid injections: transforaminal and interlaminar. Both of these injections involve injecting a mixture of steroid and anesthetic medications into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord.
Transforaminal epidural steroid injections are a type of nerve block that targets specific nerve roots. They are performed by injecting the medication through a small needle into the area near the affected nerve root. This type of injection is particularly useful for treating pain in the legs caused by spinal nerve compression, such as sciatica.
Interlaminar epidural steroid injections, on the other hand, are injections that are placed into the middle of the epidural space. This type of injection is used to treat more widespread lower back pain that is not specifically related to a particular nerve root. Interlaminar injections can provide more widespread pain relief compared to transforaminal injections.
Both transforaminal and interlaminar epidural steroid injections are generally considered safe and effective for managing chronic pain. The majority of patients experience significant pain relief after just one or two treatments, although some patients may require additional injections to achieve optimal pain relief.
Potential risks and side effects of epidural steroid injections include headaches, infection, and nerve damage. However, these side effects are rare, and most patients tolerate the injections well.
In conclusion, epidural steroid injections are a common treatment for managing chronic pain in the lower back and legs. There are two main types of epidural steroid injections: transforaminal and interlaminar. Both types of injections are generally safe and effective for managing pain, although there are potential risks and side effects associated with any medical procedure. If you’re considering epidural steroid injections for your pain, it’s important to discuss the pros and cons of this treatment with your doctor to determine whether it may be right for you.
