Epidural steroids for back and leg pain: mechanism of action and efficacy.

Abstract

Epidural injections of glucocorticoids may help some patients with back and leg pain. The efficacy of this therapy has not been conclusively proved; however, when weighed against the risks, cost, and outcomes of spinal surgery, epidural glucocorticoids are a reasonable alternative in selected patients whose back and leg pain is functionally limiting. We review the rationale, available data, techniques, and indications for these injections.

• Authors: Robert F McLain, Leonardo Kapural, Nagy A Mekhail
• Journal: Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine (Cleve Clin J Med) Vol. 71 Issue 12 Pg. 961-70 (Dec 2004) ISSN: 0891-1150 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15641524 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Glucocorticoids

Topics

• Back Pain (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Disease Progression
• Glucocorticoids (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Inflammation (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Injections, Epidural
• Radiculopathy (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Sciatica (drug therapy, physiopathology)