Steroid shots for back pain? Experts share verdict

Epidural steroid injections are believed to provide relief from back pain
Epidural steroid injections are believed to provide relief from back pain

Experts have finally ended the debate about steroid shots for the back pain in the new study.

According to HealthDay, researchers in a new guidance from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) revealed that steroid injection may not be effective for certain types of chronic lower back pain.

The lead author of the study, Carmel Armon, said in a press release, “Chronic back pain is common and can negatively impact a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to move, sleep, and participate in daily activities. In our review, studies show epidural steroid injections may have limited efficacy.”

“They may modestly reduce pain in some situations for up to three months and reduce disability for some people for up to six months or more,” he added.

For the study published in the journal Neurology, the researchers analysed the data of 90 studies done in the past 16 years to observe how steroid injections worked for people with back pain due to a pinched nerve (radiculopathy) or narrowed spinal canal (spinal stenosis).

Moreover, co-author of the study Dr. Pushpa Narayanaswami explained, “Our review affirms the limited effectiveness of epidural steroid injections in the short term for some forms of chronic back pain. We found no studies looking at whether repeated treatments are effective or examining the effect of treatment on daily living and returning to work. Future studies should address these gaps.”

The researchers concluded that people who got steroid injections for back pain experienced 24% less pain and 16% less disability for up to 3 months and 12% less disability for 6 months or more as compared to others.

Read more : Health

Juice, smoothies and soft drinks can dehydrate you in hot weather, say experts

Juice, smoothies and soft drinks can dehydrate you in hot weather, say experts
Alcohol should also be avoided in hot weather as it causes the body to lose water which often leads to dehydration

Excessive screen time linked to delayed learning in children, study

Excessive screen time linked to delayed learning in children, study
Experts warn too much screen time may hinder language development in young children

Chickpeas show surprising power to cut cholesterol levels in new study

Chickpeas show surprising power to cut cholesterol levels in new study
Those who ate chickpeas everyday showed a major improvement in their cholesterol levels

Air pollution fuels lung cancer in non-smokers, study

Air pollution fuels lung cancer in non-smokers, study
Air Pollution could drive lung cancer mutations in people with little to no history of smoking

15-minute workouts to rapidly lose weight

15-minute workouts to rapidly lose weight
Discover a few effective 15-minute workouts that are scientifically proven to rapidly help reduce fat

Measles outbreak spreads to Kentucky as US case tally reaches 1,267 this year

Measles outbreak spreads to Kentucky as US case tally reaches 1,267 this year
Health officials urge all parents to have their children vaccinated to ensure protection from measles

Hearing aids associated with improved mental well-being and social connection

Hearing aids associated with improved mental well-being and social connection
Improved engagement may support cognitive health, as social isolation has been associated with cognitive issues

FDA recalls hundreds of blueberries boxes over possible Listeria contamination

FDA recalls hundreds of blueberries boxes over possible Listeria contamination
Listeria is a kind of bacteria that may lead to a foodborne illness called listeriosis

Signs your skin shows about your overall health

Signs your skin shows about your overall health
Find out a few signs that your skin shows bout your internal health

Can dairy items turn your dreams into nightmares?

Can dairy items turn your dreams into nightmares?
Participants who frequently experience digestive symptoms from eating dairy also reported more nightmares

Australia reports first confirmed case of Australian bat lyssavirus

Australia reports first confirmed case of Australian bat lyssavirus
NSW Health has urged the people to avoid touching or handling bats

Childhood obesity continues to soar across US, study

Childhood obesity continues to soar across US, study
Childhood obesity is associated with a significant risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and numerous other disease