A Comparison of the Types of Epidural Injection Commonly Used in the Treatment of Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Patients with low back pain and sciatica were treated by epidural injection of normal saline or 0.5% lignocaine, with or without triamcinolone hexacetonide (Lederspan), given at weekly intervals in random order. Subjective and objective criteria of progress were measured. Greatest improvement was noted after the injection containing steroid. Lignocaine (0.5%) and normal saline used individually produced less marked improvement. No specific benefits of local anaesthesia were found other than comfort during injection. The results suggest that the action of a successful epidural injection is primarily anti-inflammatory and to a lesser extent hydro-dynamic.