A transforaminal epidural injection is a precise, image-guided procedure used to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly around an irritated spinal nerve. It can be performed at different levels of the spine â cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back), or sacral â depending on where your symptoms arise. This treatment aims to help relieve pain caused by nerve inflammation or compression.
The spine contains nerve roots that exit through small openings known as foramina. When these nerves become irritated by inflammation, disc problems, or spinal narrowing (spinal stenosis), pain can radiate along the course of the nerve â for example, down an arm or leg.
During a transforaminal epidural injection, your consultant uses X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance to position a fine needle near the affected nerve root. A small amount of contrast dye confirms accurate placement before a combination of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid medication is gently injected. The medicine helps to reduce inflammation around the nerve, aiming to ease pain and improve movement.
What Conditions It Can Help WithThis approach allows targeted delivery to the precise area of irritation, which may improve the effectiveness of the injection compared to more general epidural techniques.
All procedures carry some risks, which will be discussed in detail with you during your consultation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, and formal consent will always be obtained before any procedure is carried out.
This is usually an outpatient procedure performed under X-ray guidance. You will be asked to lie comfortably on the treatment bed while your skin is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic. Sedation is usually offered.
The procedure itself is fairly quick. After a short recovery period, you will be able to go home the same day. Your consultant will provide guidance about resuming activities, and it is usually recommended to rest for the remainder of the day.
All procedures carry some risks, which will be discussed in detail with you during your consultation. Mild side effects such as temporary weakness in the injected area, facial asymmetry, or chewing fatigue can occur. These are usually short-lived. Formal consent will always be obtained before treatment.
At Wessex Pain Clinic we find that the best results come from combining medical treatments with active rehabilitation. Procedures are often most effective when paired with physiotherapy, movement-based exercise, and â where appropriate â psychological support. This comprehensive approach addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of pain and supports longer-term improvement.
Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Your consultant will discuss whether this procedure is appropriate for you.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment-resistant or unusual cases. As such, you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.
Wessex Pain Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes Consultant Pain Specialists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists, offering evidence-based interventions alongside rehabilitation and self-management support. We welcome patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex, including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Chichester â with both in-clinic appointments and remote consultations available across the wider Wessex region.
Our friendly team is on hand to support you every step of the way. Please get in touch at any time.
