Selective local anesthesia versus corticosteroid infiltration on low back pain: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Antecedents and Objectives Local infiltrations are second line therapy in the treatment of chronic low back pain, although their use is controversial in the literature. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of 2 types of infiltration at the paravertebral lumbar level in two groups of patients diagnosed with low back pain: corticosteroids, and selective local anaesthetic administered using segmental neural therapy (SNT). Material and Methods Double-blind clinical trial in 55 patients diagnosed with low back pain in the neurosurgery department of the Hospital Central de la Defensa Gomez Ulla. Patients were randomised to 2 treatment groups to receive either paravertebral injections of corticosteroids or SNT. Outcomes were measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the Short Form-36, and patient satisfaction at the start of treatment (baseline) and at 3 and 12 months post intervention. Results The combined treatment group showed a statistically significant improvement in ODI at 3 months. The SNT group showed a statistically significant improvement in baseline VAS vs. VAS at 3 (1.398 cm, p = 0.001) and 12 months (0.791 cm, p = 0.007). No differences were observed in the remaining variables measured. The percentage of patients that would repeat the treatment was 81% and 83%, respectively. Conclusions Significant pain relief was achieved with SNT, and disability improved with the combined treatment. Although clinical improvement was limited, patients were satisfied. Local infiltrations should be considered as an alternative treatment for chronic low back pain. Clinical Trial Registration This clinical trial was registered at the European Union Clinical Trials Register with EUDRA-CT number 2015-001146-29.