Lumbar Transforaminal Injection

A transforaminal injection is an injection of long acting steroid into the opening at the side of the spine where a nerve roots exits. This opening is known as a foramen. There is a small sleeve of the epidural space that extends out over the nerve root for a short distance.

If you are interested in an evaluation into the cause of your pain, or want to be evaluated for a transforaminal injection to help you manage your pain, please contact our pain management experts at The Spine and Pain Institute of New York. Our offices in Manhattan, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Long Island offer multiple convenient locations for you to be evaluated. We would be happy to make an appointment for a consultation and provide additional information about other treatment options.

[NaturallyJazz]

I had this procedure done today. I was put to sleep. I woke up and had instant pain relief. It feels amazing to be able to sit down and take off my shoes without pain. I’m so thankful 🙏🏽

[Jumper]

Had this today. No sedation. Had myself all worked up after reading these comments. I’ve had hangovers that hurt more. I honestly believe it’s the physicians skill that determines the pain or lack of. Pain docs vs Spinal surgeons. Anyway. Stop worrying. All good.

[BB-ijqu]

Thanks Dr. Chapman. I interviewed in long island last year, and I remember you said how many patients do you think I got from these videos? zilch! well you're helping me out now as a fellow at UTSW!! You're the man!!!

[michelleponzio]

I've had 2 of these. Just had a translaminar ESI today at L5-S1 transitional, which is slightly different. So, 3 epidurals total. I'm never sedated. I honestly don't feel it that much, compared to the pain I'm in when I'm going in. The pain you're in the get to the point that makes these necessary is worse than the procedure itself. Plus, if you don't get sedation, you're out of the room in about 5-10 minutes. And you don't have to fast, which really helps. You're home much quicker and you can drive yourself in most cases

[ryansmith]

Had nerve block done today L5 S1. I’ve had weeks of sleepless nights worrying about getting it done but actually, it didn’t hurt. You feel the pressure, sure, but that’s it… honestly, for those here worrying about it, dont. You’ll be okay :)!

[skyclad]

Thank you for showing this from the staff's point of view. I'm always face down like this lady and I've always wanted to know what it looked like. I am so thankful for my spine specialist doctor and his staff. I'm always hobbling when I go in and smiling when I leave. I had it done yesterday and felt so good afterwards that I hugged everybody and told everybody that I love them lol😅❤❤❤

Edited to add that if you have anxiety about this procedure this might sound silly but I use yoga breathing to get through it (pranayama) and it really helps. My doctor gives me a 1-2-3 count before he sticks me which allows me a good inhale and when I feel the needles go in I give a long long exhale and it truly makes the experience better and doable. Also, they give me a little squeezy balls to grip onto and that helps too.

[patricepickett]

I had this done today and I cried through the procedure. The doctor told me afterwards that he would not do this again to me. Today was supposed to be one of three. NO THANK YOU

[anana]

Just had this done today and barely felt anything. If any of you have it done, I hope you get relief <3

[lane]

I’m getting my third TF-ESI tomorrow (in Oklahoma) and in the spine hospital here they use Versed once you get onto the table and there is zero pain. For the life of me I don’t understand doing these procedures where people wince from the pain of the procedure. It’s completely unnecessary.

[luisHernandez-vlgx]

Soo if u put to sleep how long is this half an hour or hour for how long u are put to sleep and when u wake up how u feel

[mantyshub]

Had this done today.. in l5s1 .. honestly dont feel nothing all you fell is the poke and a burn like someone killing a cig on your back for about 3 secounds.... also had 2 injections done 30 days ago.. but first one did nothing for pain like i hoped for ..and today it was a little more useful becuse my inflammation was not as bad

[luisHernandez-vlgx]

IMA HAVE THIS PROCEDURE DONE NEX WED MORNING
ANY ADVICE
I MEAN AM SCARE

[Trybalone]

I need this done. I'm terrified of procedures while awake though.

[nameisprivate]

She did great……we tried epidural and didn’t work. I came back for a different type injection but I came up off the bed and tried to crawl away. In 20yr of having these injections done I’ve never made a peep. I had hurt for exactly 49 days and losing muscle in my leg from this pinched nerve. It was even tight for him to get into the space. The zap down my leg and the meds pushed behind it had me up and nearly mobile….and I was partially sedated! (Valium) Needless to say I have an apt with a neurosurgeon soon. This last shot helped me but also served as a diagnostic injection as well. At least 50% better. I can at least walk to the bathroom without crying.
As bad as that injection hurt (and I’ve had more than I can count over the years) I’d do it again for the relief afterward.
I feel it depends on your degree of pain. The injections recreate your pain (at least that’s what my doc says)…..and I was in debilitating pain. It makes sense this one showed them just how much it was hurting I guess.

[najmakhalique]

i had it done yesterday and was a painful procedure. yesterday it was painful . today i m at a bit at ease with the pain

[marryjatt]

I have done this today but I am feeling severe pain in my all over body.even I can not sleep due to ...Anybody would tell me that, this is a side effect of this injection or not??

[brenda.lizeth]

I had this done about a week ago, and it was pretty painful!

[miken.]

It’s a great procedure if you’re trying to avoid surgery. I get on average three per year and it works well for me.

[luisHernandez-vlgx]

SOO ANY ADVICE OR HELP CUS IM GETTING THIA DONE AND PUT TO SLEEP I MEAN IAM CONSERN

[sazibalam]

I have L1s1 protrusion, and its radiating to my legs, and the pain is unbearable. Should I get this procedure done?