Steroid Injections Don’t Improve Chronic Back Pain, According to New Research

Spinal Steroid Injections: A Review of Effectiveness and Limitations

A recent review by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has shed light on the effectiveness of spinal steroid injections in reducing neck and back pain. The review, which analyzed 90 studies, found that the injections may only provide temporary relief, with the benefits waning after a few months.

The Benefits Are Short-Lived

According to the review, 26% more people who received spinal steroid injections experienced reduced disability for up to three months compared to those who did not receive the treatment. However, the effectiveness of the injections was limited, with the benefits disappearing after three months. The injections also reduced pain for 24% more patients for a period of two to six weeks, but did not improve function or reduce the need for surgery.

Limited Effectiveness for Neck Pain

Most of the 90 studies reviewed examined lower back pain, rather than neck pain, so it is unclear how effective spinal steroid injections are for people with a pinched nerve in the neck, known as cervical radiculopathy.

Expert Insights

Dr. Carmel Armon, a co-author of the review and a neurologist at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California, noted that while some patients may experience immediate pain relief from spinal steroid injections, the benefits are often short-lived. "Contrary to the individual impression many patients experience pertaining to immediate alleviation of pain, once one looks at the 3- and 6-month mark, most patients would be in the same place they would be if they received the control treatment, without steroids," he said.

What This Means for You

The study findings should encourage patients to have a conversation with their healthcare providers about their treatment plans, said Dr. Mark Bicket, an anesthesiologist and director of pain and opioid research at Michigan Medicine. "Adding acupuncture after an epidural injection has shown to be effective in some patients with lower back pain, and many people may have already tried physical therapy before seeking more advanced treatment," he said.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while spinal steroid injections may provide some relief for back and neck pain, the benefits are generally short-lived and may not be effective in the long term. Patients should be aware of the limitations of this treatment option and discuss their treatment plans with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for their individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How effective are spinal steroid injections in reducing neck and back pain?
A: The injections may only provide temporary relief, with the benefits waning after a few months.

Q: How long do the benefits of spinal steroid injections last?
A: The benefits typically last for up to three months, with some patients experiencing reduced pain for a period of two to six weeks.

Q: Are spinal steroid injections effective for neck pain?
A: The effectiveness of spinal steroid injections for neck pain is unclear, as most of the studies reviewed examined lower back pain.

Q: What are the limitations of spinal steroid injections?
A: The injections do not improve function or reduce the need for surgery, and the benefits are generally short-lived.