[Epidural glucocorticoid injection in lumbago sciatica]

Within the past decades, epidural steroid injections have been used in the treatment of severe low back pain and sciatica. In reviewing papers for this article an effort is made to concentrate on those that meet commonly accepted research design criteria, such as being blinded, randomized and prospective. The risks and the advantages of the procedure are discussed. Some of the studies report an efficient reduction in low back pain and sciatica for a longer period. Risks of more serious complications are low using the right technique. However, the results are to some extent conflicting. Future correctly designed studies are necessary to clarify whether the injection should be a supplement to the established treatment of low back pain and sciatica.