Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections in San Francisco, CA
At Presidio Pain Relief in San Francisco, CA, Dr. Robert Savala MD specializes in providing Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections to help manage chronic pain and inflammation. These targeted injections deliver medication directly to the affected nerve roots, offering relief for conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.
For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109.
What Is a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection?
At Presidio Pain Relief, we offer advanced pain management solutions, including transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TESIs), to help patients manage pain and regain their quality of life. This minimally invasive procedure targets pain and inflammation caused by spinal conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, facet joint pain, and nerve impingement.
TESIs deliver corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space of the spine. Using fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray technology), our skilled medical team ensures precise needle placement through the foramen, targeting the affected nerve root to reduce inflammation and swelling. This targeted approach provides significant relief for many patients.
TESIs are effective for various spinal conditions, offering benefits such as reduced pain and inflammation, improved nerve function, and the potential for long-term relief. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, though some may require a series of injections for optimal results. Relief can last from weeks to several months, depending on the condition and the individual’s response to treatment.
While TESIs are generally safe, potential side effects include temporary discomfort at the injection site, headaches, nausea, and increased blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Rare risks, such as bleeding, infection, or nerve damage are uncommon.
At Presidio Pain Relief, we provide a comprehensive approach to pain management. Alternatives to TESIs include medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, and surgery. Our team works with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and goals.
How Does a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Work?
Our approach at Presidio Pain Relief focuses on reducing inflammation and swelling around the irritated nerve roots, which can significantly alleviate pain and enhance daily function. By incorporating a local anesthetic in the injection, patients often experience immediate relief, with the numbing effect providing a crucial interruption of pain signals. This immediate comfort is complemented by the longer-lasting benefits of the steroid, which works overtime to mitigate the inflammatory response and ease nerve compression.
We understand that each patient's experience with pain relief can vary, and our dedicated team is committed to monitoring your progress closely. Some patients report substantial improvement soon after the procedure, while others may see gradual benefits over days or weeks. The duration and extent of pain relief depend on individual factors, including the underlying condition's nature and severity.
At Presidio Pain Relief, transforaminal epidural steroid injections are integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This plan may also involve physical therapy, medication management, and lifestyle modifications to address the root cause of pain and promote overall spinal health. Our goal is to empower you with effective pain management strategies that enhance your quality of life and support long-term wellness.
What Conditions Can Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections Treat?
TESIs are particularly beneficial for patients experiencing radicular pain, or radiculopathy, where pain radiates from the spine to the extremities due to nerve root compression. By delivering a combination of steroids and local anesthetic directly into the epidural space near the affected nerve root, TESIs reduce inflammation and swelling, offering significant pain relief and improving quality of life.
Our experienced team at Presidio Pain Relief frequently uses TESIs to treat conditions such as herniated discs, where protrusion of the disc material causes discomfort and nerve irritation. The injections work to shrink the herniated disc and decrease inflammation, alleviating pain, numbness, and weakness.
For patients with spinal stenosis, characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, TESIs can be a crucial component of their treatment plan. By targeting inflammation around compressed nerves, these injections help to relieve pain and enhance mobility, allowing our patients to engage more fully in daily activities. Degenerative disc disease, which leads to chronic pain due to the loss of disc hydration and elasticity, is another condition we manage with TESIs. The anti-inflammatory effects of the injections help reduce pain by calming irritated nerves and managing inflammation.
Patients suffering from sciatica, where pain travels along the sciatic nerve from the lower back to the legs, can find significant relief with TESIs. The procedure reduces inflammation and pressure on the sciatic nerve, providing much-needed comfort and mobility. At Presidio Pain Relief, we understand that while TESIs are not a cure, they play a vital role in managing chronic pain conditions. Our approach is tailored to each patient's needs, and we may recommend a series of injections to maintain pain control and enhance function over time.
How Long Does a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Take?
At Presidio Pain Relief, we provide advanced transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) to alleviate pain caused by nerve inflammation, commonly affecting the lower back or neck. Our dedicated team ensures that each step of the process is smooth, effective, and patient-focused.
Upon arrival, patients complete initial paperwork and undergo a brief medical assessment to confirm their suitability for the procedure. During the TFESI, patients are positioned comfortably while the injection site is sterilized and numbed with a local anesthetic. Using fluoroscopy, a real- time X-ray guidance system, our skilled physicians precisely insert the needle into the transforaminal space to deliver corticosteroid medication and local anesthetic directly to the epidural space, targeting inflamed nerves.
The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, with preparation and fluoroscopic precision ensuring the highest standards of care. Factors such as the injection site (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar), individual anatomy, and patient cooperation influence the duration. Following the injection, patients are monitored for 15 to 30 minutes to ensure stability and receive detailed post-procedure care instructions. For safety, a companion is recommended to drive patients home, as the anesthesia may temporarily affect reflexes.
At Presidio Pain Relief, our experienced team combines expertise, advanced technology, and personalized care to provide safe and effective pain relief.
Experience effective pain relief and improved mobility with Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections at Presidio Pain Relief. Dr. Robert Savala, MD, and our experienced team are dedicated to providing personalized treatments to help you regain control of your daily activities and enhance your quality of life. With a focus on advanced care and patient comfort, we tailor every procedure to meet your unique needs.
For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109. We serve patients from Daly City CA, Sunset District CA, Bernal Heights CA, Bayview CA, Mission District CA, and surrounding areas.
