Chronic low back ache and its management by means of caudal epidural steroid injections: A prospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Lumbar epidural steroid injections can be accomplished by one of three methods: caudal, interlaminar, or transforaminal. In this study we sought to conclude the efficacy of caudal epidural steroid injections for the managing of chronic low back ache.Material and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the department of orthopedists Lakshmi Narayana institute of medical sciences, Puducherry from august 2020 to august 2021. Total 40 patients with chronic low back pain not responding to conservative management were involved in the study. They were assessed clinically before and after epidural steroid on the basis of pain, unrestricted activities of day-to-day life and work performance on the basis of visual analogue scale.Result: Total 40 ESI were given to 40 patients. We included total 40 cases in this study, 25 were females and 15 were males with chronic low back pain. Patient follow up was done at one week, one month, and then every three months respectively up to twelve months of treatment. Mean pre ESI, VAS was 7.11 and while 4.83 at the end of one year of treatment. We obtained excellent results in 10 percent, well in 13 percent, fair in 12 percent while poor in 5 percent patients.Conclusion: ESIs are very effective and significantly reduce pain in patients with chronic low back pain.