Epidural Steroid Injection in Lumbar Disc Herniation.

ABSTRACT

Low back pain is a problem that is common and costly to society and its effective management remains a challenge. Major cause of morbidity due to low back pain is prolapsed intervertebral disc which mostly affects young adults in their fourth decade of life. Epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a low-risk alternative to surgical intervention in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. This follow up study was planned to know the results of epidural injections with corticosteroids in symptomatic patients of lumbar disc prolapse. Out of 159 patients who were evaluated before and after the ESI for pain relief, 78% had positive response. No major post-injection complications were reported in this study. Carefully administered epidural steroid injection is a safe and effective modality in the treatment of pain in lumbar disc herniation.