Study on the role of epidural steroids in various spine problems

Abstract

Background and Aim: The majority of chronic pain patients suffer from pain emanating from the spine and adjacent structures. Spasticity has the potential to negatively influence quality of life (QOL) through restricting activities of daily living. Hence the aim of present study were to study the efficacy of epidural steroid injection in pain control and to study the role of epidural steroid in reduction of spasticity in post traumatic spasticity in spinal cord injury patients. Materials & Methods: A total of 230 patients attending our hospital for a period of three years were evaluated and followed up. Of the total included patients, 200 patients were having either back pain, sciatica, neck pain with or without radiculopathy and 30 patients were having post traumatic spinal cord injury with spasticity. All the patients were assessed for spasticity according to modified Ashworth scale. All the patients were given epidural steroid at regular interval of 21 days at paraplegia clinic.