Does Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Cause Weight Gain?

Abstract Objectives: Transforaminal epidural steroid injection [TFESI] is a common treatment method used for low back pain and radicular pain. In this study, our goal was to evaluate the effect of TFESI on weight gain and its efficiency in pain control in the long-term [longer than six months]. Methods: This retrospective study was performed by examining the records of patients to whom TFESI procedures were performed between January 2008 and January 2012, after acquiring ethics committee approval. Patients who had undergone TFESI were telephoned, and their current weights and pain level on a numerical rating scale [NRS] were asked. A 50% or more decrease of NRS scores was considered as successful treatment. Results: Records of 252 patients [292 injections] were analyzed retrospectively. Two hundred patients with available follow up data were recruited in the study. We found no relationship between TFESI and weight gain. Conclusions: We conclude that low-dose triamcinolone is an effective treatment option that does not cause significant weight gain in the long-term.