Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: One of the oldest challenges in the history of medicine is the attempt to understand pain. Lumbar epidural steroid injection is performed via a transforaminal (TF), caudal (C), or interlaminar (IL) approach in the lumbar spine; these approaches offer different advantages and disadvantages, which may result in different outcomes. Hence; under the light of above mentioned data the present study was undertaken for assessing the role of caudal epidural injections in management of chronic low back pain. Materials & methods: A total of 100 cases with chronic low back ache for atleast 3 months were taken and treated with epidural injection of steroid and followed upto a period of 6 months. At the conclusion of the injection a note was made of the following: relief of pain and its extent was measured subjectively as well as by straight leg raising test, and motor and sensory examination. If the first injection failed to relieve symptoms, further injections could be given at 3-week interval. A total of three injections appeared to be a reasonable limit. A visual analogue scale was presented to patient before and after the procedure and at follow up and then subsequently every 2 months and values will be recorded in the Performa attached. All the results were recorded in Microsoft excel sheet and were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Mean Pre-injection VAS was 7.12, while mean VAS at post-last injection, 1 week post-last injection, 3 weeks post last injection, 6 weeks post last injection, 4 months post last injection and 6 months post last injection was found to be 3.55, 3.12, 3.02, 3.08, 3.45 and 3.36 respectively. Significant results were obtained while comparing the mean VAS at different time intervals. Conclusion: Administration of caudal epidural injection in chronic low back pain patients provided effective relief of pain and a functional improvement.