Everything to Know About Toradol Injections
Toradol injections are a powerful NSAID used for severe, short-term pain relief by reducing inflammation. Dr. Andrew Morchower, M.D., M.P.H., explains that these injections are particularly useful for patients recovering from surgery or dealing with intense injuries. They provide fast, effective pain management without the need for opioids. However, Toradol carries risks, including gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems, and heart complications, especially with prolonged use. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. Our clinics are located in Frisco, TX, Sunnyvale, TX, and Mesquite, TX.


Table of Contents:
How quickly does a Toradol injection start working?
How long does pain relief last after a Toradol injection?
Can Toradol injections be given in an emergency setting?
Are Toradol injections considered anti-inflammatory?
What type of pain responds best to Toradol injections?
At OmniSpine Pain Management, we strive to offer our patients the most effective and timely solutions for acute pain relief. One option we may recommend is a Toradol injection (ketorolac), which is known for its rapid onset of action. Administered either intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV) in our clinic, most patients begin to experience pain relief within 30 minutes, with peak effectiveness typically reached in one to two hours.
Toradol is especially valuable for short-term management of moderate to severe pain, such as after an injury or surgical procedure—situations where fast and reliable pain control is crucial. The exact timing and degree of relief can vary depending on your unique health profile, the intensity of your pain, and your response to the medication.
At OmniSpine Pain Management, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. If you have questions about how Toradol is working for you, or if you feel your pain is not adequately controlled, please let our medical team know. We are committed to working with you to find the best approach to manage your pain safely and effectively.
Typically, the pain-relieving effects of a Toradol injection last between 4 to 6 hours. The exact duration depends on several factors, including your metabolism, the type and severity of pain being treated, and the specific dose administered. Most patients begin to notice significant pain relief within 30 to 60 minutes of the injection.
Toradol is intended for short-term use due to the risk of potential side effects, especially if used repeatedly or over long periods. At OmniSpine Pain Management, our physicians carefully evaluate each patient’s medical history and pain condition before recommending Toradol or any other treatment.
If your pain returns sooner than expected or does not improve after your injection, please contact your OmniSpine Pain Management provider for further evaluation. Our team will work with you to adjust your treatment plan and explore additional options to help you achieve lasting pain control.
While Toradol is frequently used in emergency departments for conditions such as musculoskeletal pain, severe headaches, or renal colic, it can also be a valuable tool in outpatient pain management when administered under careful medical supervision. Our pain specialists evaluate each patient’s medical history, kidney function, gastrointestinal health, bleeding risk, and any potential allergies before recommending Toradol injections. This thorough assessment helps us ensure that the treatment is safe and appropriate.
Toradol injections can provide significant pain relief and help minimize reliance on opioids, aligning with our goal to reduce opioid-related risks whenever possible. However, it is important to note that Toradol is not suitable for everyone. Our providers avoid its use in patients with peptic ulcer disease, recent gastrointestinal bleeding, advanced kidney impairment, or a history of bleeding complications. It is also not recommended for use during pregnancy, labor and delivery, or in children under 2 years old. Additionally, treatment duration is always limited—usually not exceeding five days—to minimize the risk of serious side effects.
If you are experiencing acute pain and would like to discuss whether Toradol or other advanced pain management options are right for you, the team at OmniSpine Pain Management is here to help. We are dedicated to providing safe, evidence-based solutions tailored to your unique needs.
At OmniSpine Pain Management, we offer Toradol injections as part of our comprehensive approach to treating acute pain and inflammation. Toradol (ketorolac) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking substances in the body that cause pain and swelling. When administered by injection, Toradol can provide rapid relief for moderate to severe pain, especially in cases where oral medications may not be suitable or effective.
Our pain management specialists may recommend Toradol injections for certain acute conditions or flare-ups, as its strong anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce discomfort and swelling. However, Toradol is generally intended for short-term use due to the potential risks and side effects associated with prolonged use of NSAIDs.
At OmniSpine Pain Management, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Our providers will carefully evaluate your medical history and symptoms to determine if Toradol or another pain management option is right for you.
At OmniSpine Pain Management, we understand that acute pain following injury, surgery, or certain medical procedures can significantly impact your quality of life. For patients experiencing moderate to severe pain primarily caused by inflammation or tissue injury, Toradol (ketorolac) injections may offer effective and fast-acting relief.
Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which works by reducing the substances in your body that trigger inflammation and pain. At OmniSpine, our experienced pain management specialists may recommend Toradol injections as part of a comprehensive, short-term pain relief plan—especially for conditions such as:
• Musculoskeletal pain (including severe back or neck pain episodes)
• Renal colic (pain from kidney stones)
• Postoperative pain (after surgery or medical procedures)
• Acute pain from soft tissue injuries
• Pain associated with acute migraine attacks
These injections can be particularly beneficial for patients who need strong pain relief but wish to avoid opioid medications. Because Toradol is most effective for acute pain and carries some risk of side effects, our providers use it for carefully selected cases and limited durations.
At OmniSpine Pain Management, we do not recommend Toradol for chronic pain conditions or mild aches and pains. Instead, we tailor all pain management strategies to each patient’s unique needs, prioritizing safety and optimal outcomes. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. Our clinics are located in Frisco, TX, Sunnyvale, TX, and Mesquite, TX. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Frisco TX, Mesquite TX, Sunnyvale TX, Plano TX, Garland TX, Forney TX, Cedar Hill TX, Denton TX, Balch Springs TX, and surrounding areas.