What is this procedure?
The transforaminal route passes through the opening where a nerve exits the spine. Cervical injections address the neck region; lumbar injections address the lower back.
When might it be considered?
Selected radiating arm or leg pain associated with an irritated spinal nerve, such as pain related to a disc problem. Your physician will determine whether this approach is appropriate and discuss alternatives, including non-procedural care.
What to expect
After numbing the skin, the physician uses imaging to guide medication near the target root. Your clinician reviews your history, medications, allergies, and any relevant tests. The team explains the procedure and obtains your consent. Positioning, skin preparation, local numbing, and imaging guidance may be part of the visit, depending on the procedure.
Tell your care team about pregnancy, infection, medication allergies, or blood-thinning medicines. Do not stop or change medicines without instructions from the clinician managing them.
Potential benefits
Targeted medication may reduce inflammation and pain, with variable duration of benefit. Benefit and duration vary; some patients experience little or no improvement. An injection is one possible part of a broader care plan.
Possible risks & side effects
Temporary soreness, bleeding, infection, medication reactions and headache are possible. Rare severe neurological injury requires a careful discussion, particularly for cervical procedures.
This is not a complete list of risks. Your physician should explain the options, limitations, and consent information specific to your planned procedure.
Epidural steroid injections carry rare risks of serious neurological harm, including paralysis, stroke or death. Corticosteroids are not FDA-approved for epidural administration. Read the FDA safety communication.
Recovery & follow-up
Observation and a ride home may be needed. Follow the team's instructions on activity and reporting new symptoms. Observation and activity instructions depend on the procedure, medication, and your response. Ask whether you need a driver and when you can return to usual activities. Follow your own discharge instructions rather than a general online timeline.
Contact your care team about unexpected or worsening symptoms. Seek urgent medical help for severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or new significant weakness.
Common questions
How does this differ from interlaminar injection?
It targets the region around a particular exiting nerve root, using a different needle path.
Will this procedure relieve my pain?
It may help selected patients, but improvement is not guaranteed. Your physician will discuss realistic goals based on the suspected source of your pain.
Will I need more than one injection?
The need for further treatment depends on your response, the diagnosis, and safety considerations. There is no automatic course of injections that suits everyone.
How should I prepare?
Ask the team for your specific instructions, including medicines, food and drink, transportation, and what to bring. Do not change your medicines based on this page.
Is this available at Columbia Pain Management?
Contact the office to discuss eligibility and scheduling. Your physician will assess whether a procedure is appropriate for you.
Patient education reference: my.clevelandclinic.org — patient education.