Epidural Steroid Injections for Lumbar Disc Herniation and Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease

Lower back pain, a leading cause of global disability, is commonly attributed to lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD). These conditions result in nerve inflammation and compression, causing significant pain and mobility limitations. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a minimally invasive treatment targeting inflammation to provide pain relief and improve functionality.

This study aimed to evaluate the short-term efficacy of ESIs in patients with LDH and LDDD, analyze Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores over time, and assess factors influencing treatment outcomes.

A prospective study of 50 patients with lumbar radiculopathy due to LDH or LDDD was conducted between November 2022 and November 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised adults (>18 years) with radicular pain unresponsive to conservative treatments. Demographics, medical history, radiculopathy levels, and VAS scores were recorded at baseline and during follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. Statistical analyses evaluated differences based on diagnosis, gender, body mass index (BMI), and radiculopathy levels.

The cohort (mean age 47 years) included 66% males and 34% females. LDH accounted for 76% of cases, and LDDD for 24%. Significant pain reduction was observed post-injection (VAS scores from ~7 to ~4 at 3 months). However, symptoms partially recurred by 6 months (VAS ~5.5). No significant differences in outcomes were noted across gender, BMI, or radiculopathy levels (P > 0.05).

ESIs effectively reduce pain in LDH and LDDD patients during short-term follow-ups. However, symptom recurrence indicates the need for sustained management strategies. While ESIs offer temporary relief, their integration into a comprehensive treatment plan is essential for optimizing long-term outcomes.