Title
Is Dexamethasone Epidural Injection Effective in Relieving Radicular Pain in an Adult Population?
Date of Award
2014
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not dexamethasone epidural injections are effective in treating radicular pain in an adult population.
STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials, two of which were published in 2012 and one in 2010, all English language.
DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing dexamethasone epidural injections to saline injections. All articles were found using PubMed, Medline, and OVID.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: Researchers measured pain associated with radicular pain using the Short McGill Pain Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Scale, and Oswestry Disability Index.
RESULTS: All three randomized controlled trials did display significant radicular pain relief with the use of an epidural steroid injection as compared to a saline injection. These three studies however did not display that dexamethasone was the most successful in treating radicular pain.
CONCLUSIONS: These three RCTs studies displayed significant radicular pain relief by receiving epidural steroid injection. Further research is warranted to compare the safety and efficacy of epidural injections verses physical therapy.
Recommended Citation
Unger, Christine M., "Is Dexamethasone Epidural Injection Effective in Relieving Radicular Pain in an Adult Population?" (2014). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 197.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/197