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Epidural steroids for back and leg pain: Mechanism of action and efficacy

Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2004 December;71(12):961-970
December 1, 2004|Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
Robert F. McLain, MD;Leonardo Kapural, MD, PhD;Nagy A. Mekhail, MD, PhD
Author and Disclosure Information

Robert F. McLain, MD
Director, Spine Fellowship Program, The Cleveland Clinic Spine Institute and
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Leonardo Kapural, MD, PhD
Department of Pain Management, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Nagy A. Mekhail, MD, PhD
Chairman, Department of Pain Management, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Address: Robert F. McLain, MD,The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, A41, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195; e-mail mclainr@ccf.org

ABSTRACTEpidural 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.

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