Neurology

Review finds limited long-term benefit with epidural injections for back pain

February 18, 2025

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) may offer short-term benefits in reducing pain and disability for cervical and lumbar radiculopathies and possibly for lumbar spinal stenosis. However, the long-term benefits are less clear, and there's insufficient evidence for their effectiveness in cervical spinal stenosis.

Study details: This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of ESIs for cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis and radiculopathies. The review included 90 randomized trials published between January 2005 and January 2021. AAN methodologists conducted the data analysis, and a panel of ESI experts interpreted the clinical context.

Results: Epidural steroid injections offer short-term (≤3 months) pain relief for cervical and lumbar radicular pain. However, the evidence for long-term (≥6 months) benefits and efficacy in spinal stenosis is limited and inconclusive. The review highlighted variability in outcomes based on injection techniques and patient characteristics.

Source:

Armon C, et al. (2025, February 12). Neurology. Epidural Steroids for Cervical and Lumbar Radicular Pain and Spinal Stenosis Systematic Review Summary: Report of the AAN Guidelines Subcommittee. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39938000/