title: Epidural steroids for back and leg pain: mechanism of action and efficacy.
abstract: Epidural injections of glucocorticoids may help some patients with back and leg pain. The efficacy of this therapy has not been conclusively proved; however, when weighed against the risks, cost, and outcomes of spinal surgery, epidural glucocorticoids are a reasonable alternative in selected patients whose back and leg pain is functionally limiting. We review the rationale, available data, techniques, and indications for these injections.
authors.affiliation: The Cleveland Clinic Spine Institute, The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA. mclainr@ccf.org
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: McLain
authors.forename: Leonardo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kapural
authors.forename: Nagy A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Mekhail
mesh_terms: D001416:Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D007268:Injections, Epidural; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D012585:Sciatica / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids