Comparison of Transforaminal Magnesium Sulfate with Steroid Injection in the Management of ‎Radicular Back Pain: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial Study

Abstract

Background: This study compares the effects of transforaminal magnesium sulfate injection versus other methods for managing radicular back pain, highlighting its potential for improved pain relief and functional outcomes. Methods: This randomized, double-blind clinical trial involved 30 patients with radicular back pain who were randomly assigned to receive either transforaminal magnesium sulfate or triamcinolone injection. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and functional disability, assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. These were evaluated at five time points: Before the injection, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the injection. Secondary outcomes included drug-related adverse events within the six-month follow-up period. Results: Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two study groups. Compared to pre-injection measures, post-injection pain intensity and functional disability were significantly reduced in both groups at all time points (P < 0.001). At all postoperative evaluations, pain intensity and functional disability were lower in the magnesium sulfate group compared to the steroid group (P < 0.001). No drug-related side effects were recorded in either group. Conclusions: For patients with radicular back pain, transforaminal magnesium sulfate injection appears to be an effective and safe alternative to transforaminal steroid injection.