Background and Aims Transforaminal lumbar epidural steroid and erector spinae block has been used for treating lumbar radiculopathies. We aim to compare transforaminal epidural steroid injection with high-volume lumbar erector spinae block in patients with low backache and radicular pain.

Methods After obtaining institute ethical committee clearance and written informed consent, 60 patients aged between 18 to 50 years complaining of unilateral low backache were randomly allocated in 2 groups of 30 each- Group T and Group E. Group E received using ultrasound erector spinae block. with 30 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine with 20 mg triamcinolone 20 mg whereas, Group T received TFESI using fluoroscopy with 2 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine with triamcinolone 20 mg. The primary objective of the study was to assess post-intervention NRS at 1 hr, 1 month and at 3 months. The secondary objective was to assess the modified Oswestry disability index(MODI), requirement of rescue analgesia.

Results The mean post NRS at 1 hr, 1 month and 3 months was significantly lower in group T (p of 0.001, 0.013 and 0.007 respectively). The requirement for rescue analgesics was significantly higher in group E.(p<0.03). The MODI was significantly lower in both groups post-treatment. (p<0.001).

Conclusions Both TFSI and ESP are effective in low backache with radiculopathy. However, TFSI is superior to ESP block in better control of pain post-intervention and at follow-up.

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