From the Research
Epidural injections can help alleviate symptoms of central canal stenosis, providing temporary relief from pain and improving function, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Points
- Epidural injections contain a combination of corticosteroids and local anesthetics, which reduce inflammation and block pain signals in the affected area.
- The procedure is typically performed under fluoroscopic guidance, takes about 15-30 minutes, and allows patients to resume normal activities the following day.
- Patients may experience relief lasting from weeks to several months, with some individuals reporting benefits for up to 6 months.
- Epidural injections are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes physical therapy, appropriate exercise, and sometimes weight management.
Study Findings
- A 2020 study published in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine 1 found that epidural injection of triamcinolone through the translaminar approach significantly improved pain and disability in patients with spinal canal stenosis.
- The study included 111 patients with MRI-confirmed spinal canal stenosis and found significant improvements in Visual Analog scale (VAS) for low back pain, VAS for lower-limb pain, and Oswestry Disability index (ODI) at 4 weeks after the intervention.
Recommendations
- Epidural injections should be considered as a treatment option for patients with central canal stenosis who have not responded to conservative treatment 1.
- Patients should be informed about the potential benefits and limitations of epidural injections, including the temporary nature of the relief and the potential need for multiple injections.
- A comprehensive treatment plan that includes physical therapy, appropriate exercise, and sometimes weight management should be developed in conjunction with epidural injections to maximize their effectiveness.