How are injections performed and are they safe?
All injections are performed under x-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to pinpoint the painful structure and to precisely place the needle next to the pain generator with little trauma to surrounding tissues. Injections are performed as an outpatient procedure and typically take as little as 10-15 minutes to perform with no risk of general anesthesia. The skin and muscle will be anesthetized with local anesthetic. Patients are also given the option of receiving IV sedation if they are very nervous or have a phobia of needles. What is the difference between a Transforaminal Epidural versus a General Epidural Steroid Injection? A transforaminal epidural steroid injection is safer, more precise, and more effective than a general epidural steroid injection. The transforaminal technique is an advanced injection technique that directs the needle obliquely off-center instead of going through the center of the back or neck. Therefore, the needle only travels through skin and muscle without ever enter
