A Comparison of Analgesic Efficacy of Triamcinolone vs Magnesium Sulfate as Adjuvants in Caudal Block in Patients with Low Back Pain: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common issue among older adults. Radicular pain syndromes are often managed with caudal epidural injections. Our study aimed to compare the effects of triamcinolone and magnesium sulfate, used as adjuvants to local anesthetics in caudal blocks, on pain levels and quality of life in patients with LBP. Methods: A total of 40 patients undergoing caudal block were randomized to two groups,received 10 mL caudal epidural injection of either injection 9 mL of ropivacaine 0.1% and 1 mL of triamcinolone; 40 mg (Group T, n = 20) or magnesium sulfate; 200 mg (group M, n = 20). Improvements in the pain score measured with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functional ability measured with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were the primary and secondary outcome measures, respectively. Before, one month and three months after the caudl block, the VAS and ODI scores were evaluated. Results: The VAS and ODI scores did not exhibit a significant difference between the 2 groups at all post-injection time points, except for the VAS score at 3 months, which showed a statistically lower value in group M compared to group T (P = 0.046). However, when comparing within the same group, both groups showed significantly improved VAS and ODI scores at all post-injection time points compared to the pre-injection scores (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The addition of magnesium or triamcinolone to a local anesthetic in caudal epidural injections does not result in any discernible difference. However, this combination may lead to improvements in pain levels and quality of life, and these improvements can be sustained for up to 3 months.