Evaluation of the outcome of transforaminal block for chronic low back pain with lumbar radiculopathy

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is characterized by persistent pain lasting more than 3 months, surpassing the typical healing period. It stands as a prevalent and economically burdensome musculoskeletal issue in contemporary society. Research indicates that approximately 70%–80% of adults encounter CLBP at some juncture in their lives. While the severity of episodes may vary, they often result in impairments that impact the patient’s social interactions and work environment, affecting their overall health and well-being. Materials and Methods: The prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, N.S.C.B. Medical College, Jabalpur (M.P.) from September 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, with 50 diagnosed cases of lumbar radiculopathy with low back pain satisfying the inclusion–exclusion criteria, and were treated with transforaminal block injection at a single nerve root level. Results: A total of 50 patients, majority were male (56%) with the age group from 30 to 65 years (mean 45.5 years). About 82% of the patients receiving the block had substantial relief after 6 months. Conclusion: The study highlighted the immediate effect of the transforaminal block, which allowed for early return to function. The easy access to the epidural space through the Kambin approach was deemed comparable to other methods of epidural steroid injection biologically. This method not only maintained pain relief but also reduced disability, increased daily activity, facilitated quicker recovery, and improved functional range of motion. Overall, the study’s findings suggest that transforaminal block is an effective approach for managing CLBP.