Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Sciatica is a common musculoskeletal condition associated with considerable pain in the acute stages, but which carries a good long term prognosis. Epidural corticosteroid injections have been used for almost 50 years in this condition, however the evidence from randomised controlled trials is far from conclusive. Although epidural corticosteroid injections may offer some short term pain relief, they offer no medium or long term benefits, either in terms pain, return to work or need for surgery. Their exact role in the place in the management of sciatica in uncertain. But they should certainly not be used until the patient has received a suitable course of simple measures such as analgesia and physiotherapy.

Type

Journal article

Journal

CPD Rheumatology

Publication Date

23/12/2002

Volume

3

Pages

35 - 37