Effect of Serum Magnesium Level on the Success of Transforaminal Epidural Steroid
Transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESE) is an interventional method frequently used in the treatment of radicular pain due to disc herniation. TFESE, which is applied under sterile conditions and under fluoroscopy guidance, increases its effectiveness when applied in the early period (first 3 months). Inflammation and increase in neurotransmitters in the nerve root due to disc herniation trigger pain. Steroids and local anesthetics applied to the nerve root with TFESE exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effects. Factors affecting the success of TFESE include the type and dose of drugs, the age of the patient, any accompanying comorbidities, the level of injection administered and other musculoskeletal problems. Studies on the effect of these parameters on the effectiveness of TFESE are limited.Cardiac arrhythmia, muscle spasms, tetany, fasciculation paresthesia, widespread body pain, impaired bone mineralization, electrolyte disorders such as hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, depression, and seizures may occur due to magnesium deficiency. One of the most important causes of low back pain is degenerative disc disease, and magnesium deficiency has been shown to be associated with low back pain.