Comparison of epidural steroid through caudal and lumbar approach in the treatment of acute low back pain

Low back pain is the most common symptom that requires medical care and causes musculoskeletal morbidity and many social and economic inconveniences. Epidural steroid injection for low back pain is a common treatment. Due to the ease of the technique and less complications for caudal epidural steroid injection this study compares the relative effectiveness of caudal versus standard lumbar procedure. In this randomized، double-blind clinical trial of 68 patients aged 60-20 years with Class 1 and 2 ASA radicular back pain symptoms were divided into two groups based on assessment of pain on a visual Analog Score (VAS). Oswestry disability index (ODI) and general questions SF-36 was completed. The lumbar region in control group and the sacral hiatus in the study group were selected for injection. The results were analyzed. P<0. 05 was considered significant. In both groups there was a significant difference according to VAS before and one week and one month after injection. Similar results were obtained in two groups based on the Oswestry disability index questionnaire. Finally، both in the treatment group relative measure of progress wasachieved with regard to the physical part of SF-36 questionnaire، but there was no significant difference between the two groups at the same time (p> 0. 05). Both injection methods can improve the quality of life and reduce the severity of pain anddisability in patients and there was no significant difference between the injection methods and anyone can be used depending on the situation.