Role of Epidural Steroid Injection for Chronic Low Back Pain

Dr. C. Likhitha | Dr. B. Lakshmi Amulya | Dr. V. Nageswara Rao

Abstract: Background: Epidural steroids refers to injection of corticosteroids mixed with local anaesthetic injected into the epidural space to relieve pain of spinal origin caused by inflammatory irritation. Epidural steroid injections are an established mode of conservative management working by spreading up and down the epidural space. We prospectively investigated the outcome of epidural steroid injections for Chronic low back pain patients. Material and Methods: A prospective study of 20 patients was enrolled in the study from January 2021 to June 2021. We included patients older than 18 years with history of chronic low back pain, discogenic pain, disc bulge and disc protrusion and radicular pain, spondylosis and spinal canal stenosis, not responding to medication and not willing for surgery. Patients were evaluated at baseline, three weeks, three months and six months using Objective Parameters of Straight Leg Raise test (SLRT) and Claudication distance and subjective parameters of pain using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Disability using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results: Among 20 patients (9 males and 11 females), post epidural injection their Mean NPRS and ODI improved in 6 months. Similarly Mean SLRT and Claudication distance improved. Change in NPRS, ODI and SLRT were statistically significant. Conclusion: Epidural steroid injections are an effective modality of treatment in managing chronic low back pain. They provide significant pain relief, improvement in functional status and facilitate return to work.

Keywords: Chronic low back pain, Epidural injection, Methylprednisolone, Bupivacaine, Straight leg raise test, SLRT, Numerous pain rating scale, NPRS, Oswestry disability index, ODI

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 11, November 2022,

Pages: 205 - 208

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Role of Epidural Steroid Injection for Chronic Low Back Pain

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