A narrative review of intra-articular corticosteroid injections for low back pain

To summarize and to analyze the available literature on the efficacy of intra-articular injections of corticosteroids for low back pain.

Publications, in English, French, and German, were obtained that reported the proportions of patients who obtained complete relief of pain following intra-articular steroids, and that provided any form of follow-up. These publications were analyzed to determine the rationale, indications, and outcomes of the treatment.

The only rationale for intra-articular steroids appears to be the expectation that they should work. The most commonly used indication has been back pain, for which no specific diagnosis has been made. When the results of observational studies are pooled, they paint a picture of impressive immediate responses, but a rapid decay of outcomes by three and six months. Initial responses, however, are dissonant with the literature from controlled studies of the prevalence of lumbar zygapophysial joint pain. Moreover, controlled trials have shown that there is no attributable effect to the injection of steroids.

The apparent efficacy of lumbar intra-articular steroids is no greater than that of a sham injection. There is no justification for the continued use of this intervention. Better outcomes can be achieved with deliberate placebo therapy.