Does shooting, searing pain radiate down your leg, making every step agonizing? You may be suffering from sciatica. While rest, ice, and medication provide some relief, lasting freedom from sciatic nerve pain often requires a more targeted approach.
A toradol injection could be the answer. Read on to learn how a simple toradol injection could provide lasting relief from your debilitating sciatica symptoms.
What is a Toradol Shot for Sciatica?
Toradol (chemical name: ketorolac tromethamine) is a powerful nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often used for short-term management of moderate to severe pain. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins – inflammatory chemicals that trigger pain sensations.
Toradol is available in oral tablet form but is most commonly administered as an intramuscular or intravenous injection for faster pain relief. When given as a shot, it can quickly get to work easing inflammation and discomfort from a variety of painful conditions, including sciatica.
Toradol shots are most frequently used right before or after surgery to manage acute pain, but they may also be used off-label to calm sciatic nerve pain flares.
In a recent study, patients who received toradol injections reported much less pain up to 48 hours after foot surgery compared to those who had other pain management methods. The toradol shots also allowed patients to spend less time in the operating room before surgery started. This suggests toradol can be very effective for quickly managing acute pain from conditions like sciatica.
How Quickly Does Toradol Sciatica Treatment Work?
One advantage of Toradol injections is they act rapidly to reduce inflammation and pain. Patients report feeling relief from sciatica pain within 30 minutes of receiving a Toradol shot.
Maximal pain-relieving effects occur within 1 to 2 hours. The analgesic effects typically persist for 4 to 6 hours.
However, some patients experience relief from sciatica symptoms for up to 24 hours after a single Toradol injection. The swift action makes it ideal for fast relief when you are experiencing a severe flare up of symptoms.
How Effective is Toradol for Sciatica Relief?
Research shows Toradol injections can significantly reduce sciatic pain. One study looked at patients undergoing hindfoot arthrodesis surgery, a procedure that carries a high risk of postoperative sciatic pain.
Patients treated with a single local injection of Toradol after surgery reported substantially decreased pain scores compared to those given a placebo. This analgesic effect lasted up to 48 hours.
The potent anti-inflammatory action of Toradol can rapidly calm inflammation around the sciatic nerve. This helps take pressure off the nerve so your body can begin healing.
While not a cure, Toradol shots may provide a fast way to ease your misery when sciatica flares up and other treatments aren’t working. The pain relief typically lasts from 8 to 24 hours.
Best Toradol Dosage for Sciatica Nerve Pain
The FDA-approved dosage for Toradol via intramuscular or intravenous injection is 15 to 30 mg every 6 to 8 hours. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 120 mg.
Your doctor will determine the ideal dosage based on your age, kidney function and other factors. Make sure to tell your physician or pharmacist about any other drugs you take as they may interact with Toradol. Never exceed the prescribed amount.
Toradol tablets are also available in 10, 20, and 40 mg doses. Again, follow your doctor’s precise dosing instructions to avoid side effects.
Where to Get Toradol Injection for Sciatica Pain?
Toradol should only be administered by a licensed healthcare professional trained in giving intramuscular or intravenous injections. You can’t simply buy it over the counter.
Your primary care physician may be able to provide a Toradol injection in-office to treat sudden, severe sciatica pain. Or they may refer you to a pain management specialist, anesthesiologist, orthopedic doctor or other provider experienced in administering this medication.
Walk-in clinics like those in your local pharmacy may also offer Toradol shots for acute sciatica pain relief when performed by an authorized medical professional. Talk to your doctor to find out where you can access this treatment option.
Are There Any Side Effects of Toradol Shot for Sciatica Pain?
As with any medication, Toradol does come with potential risks and side effects to be aware of. The most common adverse reactions from Toradol injections include:
- Pain, bruising, bleeding or irritation at the injection site
- Dizziness, drowsiness or headache
- Nausea, vomiting, heartburn or stomach upset
- Flushing, sweating or ringing in the ears
- Euphoria, anxiety or disorientation
Less common but more serious risks include:
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Kidney problems
- Liver damage
- Heart attack or stroke
- Asthma attacks or breathing issues
- Seizures
- Severe allergic reaction
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers, perforation or bleeding
Toradol also interacts with many other drugs, so be sure your doctor knows all medications you are taking before receiving an injection. Never exceed the recommended dosage and avoid drinking alcohol while taking this NSAID medication.
Alternative Shots for Sciatica Pain Relief
If Toradol is not appropriate for your sciatica, other types of therapeutic injections may help ease your discomfort. Some options include:
| Treatment | Description |
| Steroid injections | Corticosteroid medications like cortisone can reduce inflammation. An epidural steroid injection delivers this anti-inflammatory effect directly to the source of your sciatic pain. |
| Anesthetics | Local anesthetic agents like lidocaine can provide temporary numbness to compress irritated nerves. Anesthetic nerve blocks can relieve sciatica pain for up to a few hours. |
| Botulinum toxin (Botox) | Botox injections can relax painful muscle spasms that may aggravate sciatica. |
| Prolotherapy | This involves injecting an irritant solution like dextrose to stimulate healing and strengthen connective tissue around the source of pain. |
How Does a Toradol Shot Compare to a Cortisone Shot for Sciatica?
Both Toradol and cortisone shots deliver concentrated anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of the pain. However, there are some key differences:
| Category | Toradol | Cortisone |
| Onset of action | Starts working in 30 mins | Takes 12-48 hours to start working |
| Duration | Lasts 4-6 hours | Effects can last for weeks or months |
| Side effects | Injection site reactions, bleeding, kidney injury | Injection site reactions |
| Repeated use | Should only be used short-term due to side effect risks | Repeated use may cause joint damage |
Talk to your doctor about whether fast-acting Toradol or longer-term cortisone shots are more appropriate for treating your sciatica flares.
Achieve Fast Sciatica Relief with Toradol Injection
Debilitating sciatica pain doesn’t have to leave you sidelined. A quick-acting Toradol injection provides targeted anti-inflammatory relief right where you need it. While not a cure, Toradol shots offer a fast way to turn down your pain so you can get back to your active life.
Work with an experienced doctor to determine if this medication is appropriate for your situation. They can help you weigh the potential benefits against the risks. Proper injection technique, dosing and monitoring minimizes the likelihood of side effects.
For swift relief when all else fails, ask your healthcare provider about the power of a targeted Toradol shot to extinguish the flames of sciatic nerve pain. There are also many other medications and injection options to discuss with your physician that can safely ease your discomfort.
At Kaly, we make it easy to connect with top local doctors, physical therapists and other specialists. Search our database to find a pain management specialist and make an appointment online today. Our compassionate healthcare professionals are here to help you develop an integrated treatment plan to banish your sciatica once and for all. Sign up today!
FAQs
What is Ketorolac, and how does it work?
Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve moderately severe pain in adults, usually after surgery. It works by stopping the body’s production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
Can ketorolac be used to treat sciatica?
Yes, ketorolac can be used to treat sciatica, which is a type of nerve pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg. However, it is important to note that ketorolac is only used for short-term relief of moderately severe pain and should not be used for longer than 5 days.
What are the side effects of ketorolac?
Ketorolac may cause serious side effects, including stomach ulcers or bleeding, kidney failure, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Other common side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and headache.
Can ketorolac be taken with other medications?
Ketorolac should not be taken with other NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, as this can increase the risk of side effects. It should also not be taken with anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin, or oral steroids such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and prednisone.
How is Ketorolac administered?
Ketorolac is available as an injection or tablets. The injection is usually given by a healthcare provider, while the tablet can be taken at home. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the pain and other individual factors.