Methylprednisolone Acetate Versus Triamcinolone Acetonide for Pain Relief in Spinal Nerve Root Block for Low Back Pain

Objective: The aim of the present study is to compare the effectiveness (pain relief) of two largely used steroids methylprednisolone acetate (Depomedrol) and Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenacort) in spinal nerve root block for low back pain management. Method: Prospective randomized study of fifty patients with low back pain done in Sri Ramachandra Medical College from June 2012 to June 2014. The inclusion criteria were lumbar radicular pain with a disc herniation or central, foraminal stenosis without neurological deficit, in patients who have completed their 6 week trial of non-operative management and had no relief and with minimal follow up of 1 year. Patients were evaluated using VAS score. Result: All patients had immediate relief following the first block (to varying degrees). Conclusion: There is no significant difference whether depomedrol or Kenocort was used for spinal nerve root block. Both the steroids gives equally good results